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London Celebrities #1
Act Like It
Romance takes center stage as West End theatre’s Richard Troy steps out with none other than castmate Lainie Graham“Lucy Parker’s books are all fabulous. Her writing voice never fails to make me giggle, while the chemistry between her characters makes me swoon.”—FrolicRichard Troy used to be the hottest actor in London, but the only thing firing up lately is his temper. We all love to love a bad boy, but Richard’s antics have made him Enemy Number One, breaking the hearts of fans across the city.Have the tides turned? Has English rose Lainie Graham made him into a new man?Sources say the mismatched pair has been spotted at multiple events, arm in arm and hip to hip. From fits of jealousy to longing looks and heated whispers, onlookers are stunned by this blooming romance.Could the rumors be right? Could this unlikely romance be the real thing? Or are these gifted stage actors playing us all?London CelebritiesBook 1: Act Like ItBook 2: Pretty FaceBook 3: Making UpBook 4: The Austen PlaybookBook 5: Headliners
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2015
514 people are currently reading
13638 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Parker
15 books1,992 followersLucy Parker lives in New Zealand, where she feels lucky every day to look out at mountains, lakes, and vineyards. She has a degree in Art History, loves museums and art galleries, and doodles unrecognizable flowers when she has writer’s block.
When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.
Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.
When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.
Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,843 reviews
December 15, 2015
4 Stars!!
This book was like nothing I expected. It was very different from what I have read before and I’m not talking only about the premise – two stage actors who start a fake relationship and then falling in love for each other-, but also about the writing. The writing was...well different, but in a good way – and also flawless and witty. “Act Like It” is a romantic comedy that made me smile and also LOL a couple of times. It’s an enemies/friends to lovers kind of story with an interesting setting – London’s West End and two entertaining main characters you will fall in love with.
Richard Troy is an enigmatic, sexy, very talented 35 years old stage actor. He’s grumpy, arrogant, infuriating and he’s not very liked by...well, anyone. His public image is deplorable and lately it started to affect ticket sales. Needless to say the management is not pleased, so obviously something needs to be done.
Richard needs some good publicity, so the management comes with a brilliant idea. Well not so brilliant for Lainie Graham, the sweetheart of the theatre, a stage actress who works with Richard. Apparently she’s the one who should save Richard’s image. How? To get engage in a fake relationship with the pompous a**.
It goes without saying Lainie is not very happy, but she has something to gain, something she desperately wants so she’s forced by these nasty circumstances to accept the offer. Richard and Lainie can’t tolerate each other very well...at first, but as they start to spend more and more time together they become some sort of friends realizing they are not so wrong for each other after all.
I really enjoyed this funny, entertaining tale, but I have to admit I was a little bored in the beginning since the pace of the story (in the beginning) was a little slow for my liking. Everything got better as the story progressed and I’m glad I continued reading it since in the end I liked the storyline and also the main characters. The author used here third person point-of-view, which I have to admit I didn’t fully enjoyed. Not only because I prefer first pov, but also because I believe the story would have been more entertaining written in first person point-of-view. But this is just my opinion.
Both Richard and Lainie were entertaining characters, multi-dimensional and I liked them both. Richard was portrayed like an infuriating a**hole from the beginning, but as the story unfolded we get to see Richard can be more than that, that he is more than a stage actor. I have to be honest here, he got on my nerves a couple of times, but I can’t say I hate him or that I would have liked another man for our heroine, Lainie. No! Because he was the perfect match for her. Richard can act like a pretty big prick, but he can also be thoughtful, caring and even sweet. Who would have known? Hmm… I liked very much how he was with Lainie and I have to say what won he over was his protectiveness. What can I say?! I loved a hero who is protective with his lady.
Lainie was a fantastic heroine as well. She was smart, sassy, hilarious and I liked her very much. She was a tough cookie and she knew from the start how to handle Richard. She really did a great job!
The banter and later the playfulness between these two characters were really great done and the slow burn between them was lovely.
I would have liked the story to have more romantic situations, but I enjoyed what I’ve got. The steam factor was low, but I was ok with that since I knew from the start what kind of story I will read - a romantic comedy/chick lit and not an erotic romance. The few sexy scenes were pretty great so I would love in the future the author to "use" them more often.
What I didn't like too much was the abrupt ending. The story has an epilogue, yes, which I liked, but I wanted something more.
Overall, a fantastic read and a great debut! I’m looking forward to read more books from this author!
This book was like nothing I expected. It was very different from what I have read before and I’m not talking only about the premise – two stage actors who start a fake relationship and then falling in love for each other-, but also about the writing. The writing was...well different, but in a good way – and also flawless and witty. “Act Like It” is a romantic comedy that made me smile and also LOL a couple of times. It’s an enemies/friends to lovers kind of story with an interesting setting – London’s West End and two entertaining main characters you will fall in love with.
“London Celebrity @LondonCelebrity. 35m
Hot new couple alert!
West Enders Richard Troy and Elaine Graham cuddle up at Pink Ribbon benefit...”
Richard Troy is an enigmatic, sexy, very talented 35 years old stage actor. He’s grumpy, arrogant, infuriating and he’s not very liked by...well, anyone. His public image is deplorable and lately it started to affect ticket sales. Needless to say the management is not pleased, so obviously something needs to be done.
Richard needs some good publicity, so the management comes with a brilliant idea. Well not so brilliant for Lainie Graham, the sweetheart of the theatre, a stage actress who works with Richard. Apparently she’s the one who should save Richard’s image. How? To get engage in a fake relationship with the pompous a**.
“You would have to have a skin like a rhino to put up with him. Or just no self-esteem at all and a faint aura of desperation.”
It goes without saying Lainie is not very happy, but she has something to gain, something she desperately wants so she’s forced by these nasty circumstances to accept the offer. Richard and Lainie can’t tolerate each other very well...at first, but as they start to spend more and more time together they become some sort of friends realizing they are not so wrong for each other after all.
“He was no stranger to sexual frustration.
It was more than that. He was...God, he was bonding with her.
Feelings—warm, strong, nauseating feelings—were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.”
I really enjoyed this funny, entertaining tale, but I have to admit I was a little bored in the beginning since the pace of the story (in the beginning) was a little slow for my liking. Everything got better as the story progressed and I’m glad I continued reading it since in the end I liked the storyline and also the main characters. The author used here third person point-of-view, which I have to admit I didn’t fully enjoyed. Not only because I prefer first pov, but also because I believe the story would have been more entertaining written in first person point-of-view. But this is just my opinion.
Both Richard and Lainie were entertaining characters, multi-dimensional and I liked them both. Richard was portrayed like an infuriating a**hole from the beginning, but as the story unfolded we get to see Richard can be more than that, that he is more than a stage actor. I have to be honest here, he got on my nerves a couple of times, but I can’t say I hate him or that I would have liked another man for our heroine, Lainie. No! Because he was the perfect match for her. Richard can act like a pretty big prick, but he can also be thoughtful, caring and even sweet. Who would have known? Hmm… I liked very much how he was with Lainie and I have to say what won he over was his protectiveness. What can I say?! I loved a hero who is protective with his lady.
Lainie was a fantastic heroine as well. She was smart, sassy, hilarious and I liked her very much. She was a tough cookie and she knew from the start how to handle Richard. She really did a great job!
“I don’t think you’re a bad person, Richard. Perhaps a little more flawed than most,” she teased, and he grimaced, “but I shall rise above that and keep a thick skin where you’re concerned.”
The banter and later the playfulness between these two characters were really great done and the slow burn between them was lovely.
I would have liked the story to have more romantic situations, but I enjoyed what I’ve got. The steam factor was low, but I was ok with that since I knew from the start what kind of story I will read - a romantic comedy/chick lit and not an erotic romance. The few sexy scenes were pretty great so I would love in the future the author to "use" them more often.
“Lainie stroked the sides of Richard’s neck, slid her fingers up to touch his earlobes. She cupped his jaw, feeling the muscles working beneath the warm skin, and attempted to angle the direction of his head. His kiss was both demanding and coaxing, playfully daring a response from her even as he took what he wanted.”
What I didn't like too much was the abrupt ending. The story has an epilogue, yes, which I liked, but I wanted something more.
Overall, a fantastic read and a great debut! I’m looking forward to read more books from this author!
December 29, 2015
4.5 ~ 5 STARS
What a refreshing read! This appears to be the first and only book by this author and so….Lucy Parker wins my vote for Best New Author of 2015!!
The story is based on actors and actresses performing in a long running play at the Metronome in London. This is a frenemies to lover’s story that is such a good time. The heroine, Elaine Graham has just broken things off with her castmate Will Farmer. Sadly, she still has to see this knob daily. (I learned a ton of Britishisms while reading this book.) Elaine gets the shock of her life when she’s asked by P.R. and management to help another castmate’s horrendous image and spend time with... Richard Troy.
Let me tell you about Richard Troy! He’s entitled, temperamental, arrogant, curt, and every interaction with the heroine is fantastically done. Richard doesn’t just magically become wonderful. Under his layers, it’s there and Elaine is the special someone to find it and bask in it.
The banter and writing is so well done...
”A morning quickie sort of bloke, are you?” she asked, going there out of sheer nosiness. “Or is it wham-bam-get-out-my-bed-ma’am?” He smiled against his will.
“I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s the latter. I prefer not to actually sleep next to someone if I can avoid it.” He added smoothly, “Although I handle the situation as tactfully as possible, of course.”
“Which, coming from you, probably means your poor girlfriends find themselves standing on the doorstep, wrapped in a bedsheet an clutching their knickers.”
“Only in the summertime. If it’s winter, I let them take a blanket, as well.”
I loved the setting and the couple, and even the drama felt just right for this story. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book and Lucy Parker you now have a new fan/stalker.
What a refreshing read! This appears to be the first and only book by this author and so….Lucy Parker wins my vote for Best New Author of 2015!!
The story is based on actors and actresses performing in a long running play at the Metronome in London. This is a frenemies to lover’s story that is such a good time. The heroine, Elaine Graham has just broken things off with her castmate Will Farmer. Sadly, she still has to see this knob daily. (I learned a ton of Britishisms while reading this book.) Elaine gets the shock of her life when she’s asked by P.R. and management to help another castmate’s horrendous image and spend time with... Richard Troy.
Let me tell you about Richard Troy! He’s entitled, temperamental, arrogant, curt, and every interaction with the heroine is fantastically done. Richard doesn’t just magically become wonderful. Under his layers, it’s there and Elaine is the special someone to find it and bask in it.
The banter and writing is so well done...
”A morning quickie sort of bloke, are you?” she asked, going there out of sheer nosiness. “Or is it wham-bam-get-out-my-bed-ma’am?” He smiled against his will.
“I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s the latter. I prefer not to actually sleep next to someone if I can avoid it.” He added smoothly, “Although I handle the situation as tactfully as possible, of course.”
“Which, coming from you, probably means your poor girlfriends find themselves standing on the doorstep, wrapped in a bedsheet an clutching their knickers.”
“Only in the summertime. If it’s winter, I let them take a blanket, as well.”
I loved the setting and the couple, and even the drama felt just right for this story. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this book and Lucy Parker you now have a new fan/stalker.
January 13, 2016
4.25 Stars
I really enjoyed this one! A fun, romantic comedy with a grumpy hero and extremely likable heroine, set in the London theater scene. I'll try to review properly soon, but I've been bit by the lazy bug!
I really enjoyed this one! A fun, romantic comedy with a grumpy hero and extremely likable heroine, set in the London theater scene. I'll try to review properly soon, but I've been bit by the lazy bug!
October 15, 2017
4.5 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
I love this book! A well-written slow burn romance with my favorite trope (hello, fake relationship!), witty banter, and a little Pride and Prejudice-esque feel to it. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a modern-day Pride and Prejudice, but there’s a lot of influence there, especially with the main characters. And y’all know how much I love P&P. I read Act Like It again as soon as I finished it. Feels!
Elaine “Lainie” Graham is in the unfortunate position of acting alongside her cheating ex and a stuck-up co-actor. Now, their stage manager wants her to do something ridiculous. Preposterous. They want her to pose as said stuck-up actor’s girlfriend to help him clean up his reputation. If their offer to help something close to her heart wasn’t so good, she wouldn’t even consider it.
Richard Troy is an exceptional actor… who’s also an a*hole snob with a bit of a temper problem. His less than pleasing personality has been splattered all over the tabloids, and now, not only is it affecting ticket sales for the play he’s in, it might jeopardize his ambition to become the next Royal Society of the Performing Arts president. His agent, the company’s stage manager, and the PR manager all believe the only way to fix his public image is attach it to someone with the cleanest reputation; in this case, Lainie, “a reigning sweetheart of the London stage”.
With little to no love for each other, they start off the relationship with hugs and kisses so fake, they would disgrace even an understudy in a kindergarten school play. Lainie doesn’t think highly of Richard, and Richard…well, he doesn’t even think of her at all. Still, spending a lot of time together has given them the chance to really get to know one another. Next thing you know, lines are blurred and feelings are felt (lol). Fake isn’t fake anymore.
I’ll be honest and say it took me a while to get into it. The opening line had a good hook–it definitely made me look twice to make sure what I was reading was what it was–but nothing was really making me hold on to it. There were a lot of British slang that went over my head, but thank goodness Harry Potter and English shows trained me for this! And thank you, dictionary/internet. Once it got the ball rolling, I couldn’t let it go. I fell in love a little more with each page and each moment with the MCs.
Both of the characters were likable, even Richard with the attitude. The author wrote him in a way that showed his obnoxiousness but not in a way that would make you hate him. He’s a lot like Mr. Darcy, with his old money, snobbish beliefs in art, and just his personality in general. He’s the type who has little tolerance for people who don’t use their heads; something I understand and sometimes agree with. Some of his snobbish attitude comes from his fancy upbringing, but that was sorted once Lainie started calling him out on it. I love how no one excused his sour personality for his past, and how he slowly turned into this sweet man who cuddles and nuzzles his nose on Lainie’s cheek and ahhhhhhh!!! Feels! I have a weakness for the brooding guy who turns into a big cuddler when he falls in love!! What a dreamboat!
I’m a huge fan of Lainie! She’s outspoken, but never mean. She’s written as a kind and likable person without making her sound like a Mary Sue. I love that she calls Richard out on his bullsh*t and that she doesn’t tolerate his behavior when he’s acting like his old self. Their banters are so entertaining to read; they’re clearly of the same caliber in sarcasm and wit.
I also love how she calls out anyone who says something sexist/misogynistic or anyone who slut-shames. I don’t usually see someone do that blatantly, so plus points to her.
The couple's chemistry is amazing, and their moments made me giggle like a school girl. I've highlighted them all so I can go back and read them when I'm feeling down. It showed how compatible they really are.
Act Like It is a standalone novel written in the third POV, although we still see a bit of what both MCs are thinking and feeling. The steam is low, with the scenes tastefully written(fit for ages sixteen and above), angst little–mainly somewhere in the second half of the story––and the humor a high dose.
If you’re a fan of stories like Pride and Prejudice (read Mr. Darcy) or The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, you’ll definitely enjoy this wonderful debut novel written by Ms. Parker! I can’t wait to read Pretty Face , the next standalone in the series.
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Review at Of Pens and Pages.
I love this book! A well-written slow burn romance with my favorite trope (hello, fake relationship!), witty banter, and a little Pride and Prejudice-esque feel to it. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a modern-day Pride and Prejudice, but there’s a lot of influence there, especially with the main characters. And y’all know how much I love P&P. I read Act Like It again as soon as I finished it. Feels!
Elaine “Lainie” Graham is in the unfortunate position of acting alongside her cheating ex and a stuck-up co-actor. Now, their stage manager wants her to do something ridiculous. Preposterous. They want her to pose as said stuck-up actor’s girlfriend to help him clean up his reputation. If their offer to help something close to her heart wasn’t so good, she wouldn’t even consider it.
Richard Troy is an exceptional actor… who’s also an a*hole snob with a bit of a temper problem. His less than pleasing personality has been splattered all over the tabloids, and now, not only is it affecting ticket sales for the play he’s in, it might jeopardize his ambition to become the next Royal Society of the Performing Arts president. His agent, the company’s stage manager, and the PR manager all believe the only way to fix his public image is attach it to someone with the cleanest reputation; in this case, Lainie, “a reigning sweetheart of the London stage”.
With little to no love for each other, they start off the relationship with hugs and kisses so fake, they would disgrace even an understudy in a kindergarten school play. Lainie doesn’t think highly of Richard, and Richard…well, he doesn’t even think of her at all. Still, spending a lot of time together has given them the chance to really get to know one another. Next thing you know, lines are blurred and feelings are felt (lol). Fake isn’t fake anymore.
I’ll be honest and say it took me a while to get into it. The opening line had a good hook–it definitely made me look twice to make sure what I was reading was what it was–but nothing was really making me hold on to it. There were a lot of British slang that went over my head, but thank goodness Harry Potter and English shows trained me for this! And thank you, dictionary/internet. Once it got the ball rolling, I couldn’t let it go. I fell in love a little more with each page and each moment with the MCs.
Both of the characters were likable, even Richard with the attitude. The author wrote him in a way that showed his obnoxiousness but not in a way that would make you hate him. He’s a lot like Mr. Darcy, with his old money, snobbish beliefs in art, and just his personality in general. He’s the type who has little tolerance for people who don’t use their heads; something I understand and sometimes agree with. Some of his snobbish attitude comes from his fancy upbringing, but that was sorted once Lainie started calling him out on it. I love how no one excused his sour personality for his past, and how he slowly turned into this sweet man who cuddles and nuzzles his nose on Lainie’s cheek and ahhhhhhh!!! Feels! I have a weakness for the brooding guy who turns into a big cuddler when he falls in love!! What a dreamboat!
I’m a huge fan of Lainie! She’s outspoken, but never mean. She’s written as a kind and likable person without making her sound like a Mary Sue. I love that she calls Richard out on his bullsh*t and that she doesn’t tolerate his behavior when he’s acting like his old self. Their banters are so entertaining to read; they’re clearly of the same caliber in sarcasm and wit.
You do realize you’re holding a baby, not a leaking bucket?” She asked conversationally, and he gave her a look that could splinter wood.
“Against your chest, hand under his bottom. Honestly. You must have had a cuddle before.”
“Yes, but women don’t appreciate a hand under their bottom until I’ve at least bought them dinner.”
I also love how she calls out anyone who says something sexist/misogynistic or anyone who slut-shames. I don’t usually see someone do that blatantly, so plus points to her.
The couple's chemistry is amazing, and their moments made me giggle like a school girl. I've highlighted them all so I can go back and read them when I'm feeling down. It showed how compatible they really are.
Act Like It is a standalone novel written in the third POV, although we still see a bit of what both MCs are thinking and feeling. The steam is low, with the scenes tastefully written(fit for ages sixteen and above), angst little–mainly somewhere in the second half of the story––and the humor a high dose.
If you’re a fan of stories like Pride and Prejudice (read Mr. Darcy) or The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, you’ll definitely enjoy this wonderful debut novel written by Ms. Parker! I can’t wait to read Pretty Face , the next standalone in the series.
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December 13, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::::
Oh my gosh, what a fun book! The whole idea of stage actors starting a fake relationship and then falling in love intrigued me, but as soon as I started reading, I fell in love with the writing. It was smart, sassy, oh-so-witty and even downright hilarious in places. I laughed out loud countless times, and loved the light-hearted vibe of this romance! With it’s feisty heroine, grouchy-but-loveable hero, and unlikely love story, this was a winner!
The fun thing was that the hero and heroine actually started out almost hating each other (or, at the very least, you could say that they barely tolerated each others’ presence). But they were both famous stage actors and due to various circumstances, their management teams ‘suggested’ (you know, the kind of suggestion where you really don’t have a choice and you’d better just smile and say ‘yes’) that they fake a romantic relationship for publicity’s sake. Despite their rocky start, things between them slowwwly began to turn into something real as they both found that they’d perhaps been a little quick to judge each other.
I loved that there was no insta-love (not that I have a particular issue with insta-love at all in books, but the drawn out romance in this book made much more sense for their situation.
To be honest, prior to reading this, I was in a bit of a book funk and not quite sure which book would fit my current mood. So I decided to play a little of what I like to call Reader Roulette, which is where I try the first 3 pages of a bunch of books and see which one sparks my interest. When I opened this book it ‘had’ me by the end of page one. I loved this author’s particular writing style. Her sense of humor, and comedic timing is totally on point with what I love and as soon as I saw that, I knew I had to read this.
Lainie, the heroine, was strong, hilarious and full of sass. I loved her and I’m pretty sure any reader would love her too. On the flip side, our hero, Richard, came off entitled asshole at first. He was sexy, rich, famous, and talented, but always managed to grace the weekly tabloids with his antics (much to his managers’ displeasure). So they came up with the perfect plan. The bad boy of theater would publicly date the stage’s sweetheart and the world would be perfect again. Or so they thought… Lainie refused. Flatly. Not even to save her career would she agree to pretend date him… but then they made her an offer she couldn’t refuse that benefitted a charity dear to her heart and for that, she’d make herself put up with him.
Seriously you guys, I was laughing out loud every couple pages in the first half of the book. This author seems to share my exact sense of humor. I highlighted so many quotes!!! And it was just so much pure fun to see Lainie and Richard go from completely rubbing each other the wrong way to slowly falling in love.
I have to admit that the more I found out about Richard, the more I liked him. In his defence, he was never a mean asshole, he just had zero tolerance for bullshit, and about as much tact as a brick wall. To be honest though, I kinda could see where he was coming from in many cases. There’s no doubt that he wasn’t the Prince Charming hero type. Rather, he was the guy more likely to be cast as the villain of the show — but I’ve always found myself drawn to flawed characters so I really liked him! (I was mentally picturing him as a cross between Ian Somerhalder and that Hook dude from Once Upon A Time)
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I did find the first half to be a bit stronger than the second half though (I’d give the first half 4.5 stars, and the second half 4 stars) but my issue with the second half was more to do with the editing than the writing. But I was having such a great time reading this story that honestly any of the little things just didn’t matter to me. What mattered was I loved the writing, was smiling non-stop, and was generally having a totally awesome time reading this book.
It’s told in third person but you do still kinda see both sides of the story. It’s mostly told in a forward moving timeline. I’ve been asked about this and I’d probably consider it a New Adult-ish book in terms of steam — there’s sex, but it’s not that graphic. This is more of a witty than steamy read though. And it’s also lovely that it’s a standalone so the complete story is wrapped up by the end.
If you’re looking for a fun new romance that’ll put a smile on your face as you read, definitely try this!!
Rating: 4 — 4.5 stars. Standalone romance.
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This just in: romance takes center stage as West End theatre’s Richard Troy steps out with none other than castmate Elaine Graham.
Oh my gosh, what a fun book! The whole idea of stage actors starting a fake relationship and then falling in love intrigued me, but as soon as I started reading, I fell in love with the writing. It was smart, sassy, oh-so-witty and even downright hilarious in places. I laughed out loud countless times, and loved the light-hearted vibe of this romance! With it’s feisty heroine, grouchy-but-loveable hero, and unlikely love story, this was a winner!
The fun thing was that the hero and heroine actually started out almost hating each other (or, at the very least, you could say that they barely tolerated each others’ presence). But they were both famous stage actors and due to various circumstances, their management teams ‘suggested’ (you know, the kind of suggestion where you really don’t have a choice and you’d better just smile and say ‘yes’) that they fake a romantic relationship for publicity’s sake. Despite their rocky start, things between them slowwwly began to turn into something real as they both found that they’d perhaps been a little quick to judge each other.
I loved that there was no insta-love (not that I have a particular issue with insta-love at all in books, but the drawn out romance in this book made much more sense for their situation.
Had she just admitted to finding Richard sexy? She wondered when to expect the remaining signs of the apocalypse.
To be honest, prior to reading this, I was in a bit of a book funk and not quite sure which book would fit my current mood. So I decided to play a little of what I like to call Reader Roulette, which is where I try the first 3 pages of a bunch of books and see which one sparks my interest. When I opened this book it ‘had’ me by the end of page one. I loved this author’s particular writing style. Her sense of humor, and comedic timing is totally on point with what I love and as soon as I saw that, I knew I had to read this.
Lainie, the heroine, was strong, hilarious and full of sass. I loved her and I’m pretty sure any reader would love her too. On the flip side, our hero, Richard, came off entitled asshole at first. He was sexy, rich, famous, and talented, but always managed to grace the weekly tabloids with his antics (much to his managers’ displeasure). So they came up with the perfect plan. The bad boy of theater would publicly date the stage’s sweetheart and the world would be perfect again. Or so they thought… Lainie refused. Flatly. Not even to save her career would she agree to pretend date him… but then they made her an offer she couldn’t refuse that benefitted a charity dear to her heart and for that, she’d make herself put up with him.
“A photographer is circling.” The theatrical agent looked them up and down critically, exactly as if she were a parent grooming her children for their school pictures… “In a moment, I want you to put your arm around her, and say something into her ear. You look up at him and laugh. Then kiss her. A peck. Playful. Affectionate.”
“This is not a sitcom,” she snapped. “I am not going to mindlessly giggle and pucker on cue. We agreed to attend events and hold hands. Done and done.”
“No,” [her agent] said with barely leashed temper… “You agreed to foster a certain impression… Which is not being fulfilled by the two of you standing three feet apart, glowering at one another. Only the most diehard romantic and the clinically brain-dead would be seeing hearts and flowers.”
Seriously you guys, I was laughing out loud every couple pages in the first half of the book. This author seems to share my exact sense of humor. I highlighted so many quotes!!! And it was just so much pure fun to see Lainie and Richard go from completely rubbing each other the wrong way to slowly falling in love.
“And what words of wisdom did he offer?”
“He told me to grow a spine and get over it.”
That startled a laugh from Rachel. “He doesn’t beat around the bush, does he?”
“He bulldozes right over the bush.”
I have to admit that the more I found out about Richard, the more I liked him. In his defence, he was never a mean asshole, he just had zero tolerance for bullshit, and about as much tact as a brick wall. To be honest though, I kinda could see where he was coming from in many cases. There’s no doubt that he wasn’t the Prince Charming hero type. Rather, he was the guy more likely to be cast as the villain of the show — but I’ve always found myself drawn to flawed characters so I really liked him! (I was mentally picturing him as a cross between Ian Somerhalder and that Hook dude from Once Upon A Time)
She stilled. “Your — what?”
His jaw worked as he looked down at her. “My…” Suddenly, he released her hands and cupped her face, bringing her up on her tiptoes and her mouth to his. His kiss was forceful and demanding… “Mine,” he said. “Just mine.”
Pulling back to take a much-needed breath, she rested her hands on his chest. “There’s a distinct scent of eau de caveman around here.”
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I did find the first half to be a bit stronger than the second half though (I’d give the first half 4.5 stars, and the second half 4 stars) but my issue with the second half was more to do with the editing than the writing. But I was having such a great time reading this story that honestly any of the little things just didn’t matter to me. What mattered was I loved the writing, was smiling non-stop, and was generally having a totally awesome time reading this book.
It’s told in third person but you do still kinda see both sides of the story. It’s mostly told in a forward moving timeline. I’ve been asked about this and I’d probably consider it a New Adult-ish book in terms of steam — there’s sex, but it’s not that graphic. This is more of a witty than steamy read though. And it’s also lovely that it’s a standalone so the complete story is wrapped up by the end.
If you’re looking for a fun new romance that’ll put a smile on your face as you read, definitely try this!!
Rating: 4 — 4.5 stars. Standalone romance.
_______________________________________
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February 15, 2021
► 3.5 stars happily rounded-up because Act Like It was loads of fun! Truth is, I was really wary when I first started it, but let's face it, I'm always wary when I read a romance novel, because they often contain several of my biggest peeves : cheating, slut-shaming, instalove... just pick one. Albeit not perfect, Act Like It was a great surprise in these aspects and a promising debut.
✔ Two main characters thoroughly enjoyable : meat Lainie, a nice but feisty actress and Richard, a misanthropic - but hilarious - jerk. Both actors in the same play, they're asked to fake a relationship in order to improve Richard's reputation, and oh my, given the outbursts he often throws in public (and his usual prick self), Lainie knows instantly that it's not going to be easy to achieve.
"You want us to do a TV interview? About... this?" Lainie asked, horrified.
"Could you not gesture directly at me when you say that?" Richard asked."
SPOILER ALERT : She wasn't mistaken.
Ah, Richard...
"He brought up the page and was greeted with the image of his own scowling face. Jesus. he looked like his great-aunt Harriet. It was something about the combination of the frown and the emerging beard."
What a piece of work. There's no denying that he acts like a complete jerk at the beginning, but in a way that I can handle. See, I don't like violent assholes. Darcy-ish pricks, though? They make me laugh and I love to sneer at them, both in books and in real life, because I'm a sucker for sarcasm. As long as people call them on their shit, in any case, and Lainie sure knows how to react to Richard's offensive remarks. I loved her, and Richard's devil-may-care attitude won me along the way. Hey, now, my favorite Molière's play is The Misanthrope. That says it all.
✔ A believable and gradual romance : nothing could be further from instalove than the beginning of Lainie and Richard's relationship. Basically, Lainie thinks he's a complete jerk, and Richard barely knows who she is (even though they work together). Are they happy when their boss ask them to fake a relationship? Ugh, no. Definitely not. They're annoyed, pissed, and not a little reluctant. Following them, we witness their relationship changing little by little, from indifference to friendship to more.
"It was more than that. He was... God, he was bonding with her.
Feelings - warm, strong, nauseating feelings - were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks."
But what I loved the most is the fact that despite his first objections, Richard doesn't dismiss his feelings from the moment they appear. No exhausting back and forth, and that's freaking rare.
Not to mention that Lucy Parker makes fun of several stereotypical sayings that we often find in romance novels :
"Tell me you want this. Me."
It was enlightening that she could be this far gone with desire yet still capable of irritation. "Richard." She braced herself against his stomach. "I'm prepared to stroke many things right now, but your ego is not one of them."
HAHAHAHAHA. I freaking love this girl.
"As kisses went, it wouldn't make her personal top ten. For one thing, there was still an edge of temper under the surface, and angry snogging didn't really rev her engine the way it seemed to for vintage romance heroines."
THANK YOU.
✔ Banter : BAHAHAHAHA. Really, these two are perfect together and make for the funniest interactions.
"Cat Richard?" he asked, when they came to a halt behind a double-decker bus.
"My landlady's ginger tom." Lainie sounded too calm. He glanced at her. Yes, her eyes were full of laughter. "He's called Richard. I'm feeding him while she's away for a few days, and he has to have meals twice a day. Bowel issues."
This was actually his life."
✔ The way sexism is handled : See, every time I point that a story contains sexism, people are quick to tell me that unfortunately that's how many real people act and that it shows how realistic the story is. Well. I can't argue with the "realistic" angle, but you know where is the difference in Act Like It? Both MC notice sexism remarks and behavior, and don't ignore them or accept them because "that's how life is". THANK YOU. As for slut-shaming, Richard and Lainie point several times how inacceptable it is, and it was fucking refreshing. Beware, I'm not saying that Richard never says anything sexist, because he does (and in one occasion it's not dealt with), but 99% of the time Lainie calls him on his shit, as well as other characters.
✘ Grammatical errors and editing mistakes : I won't lie, but I almost stopped reading in the beginning because of several grammatical mistakes and plain weird phrasing. Indeed some sentences just don't make any sense, and it spoiled my read a little. Honestly, I don't know if it gets better after the first 20% or if I was too engrossed to notice anymore, but Act Like It would have required further editing.
✘ The sex scenes didn't do a lot for me : Don't get me wrong, I was happy for them, but it still lacked a little chemistry in my opinion. This said, they were realistic and not over the top, and I REALLY liked that.
✘ Stupid drama.... But it stays really short so I'm not sure if it's really a cons. I suppose that I became more and more intolerant of it through the years, but I have to admit that as far as romance novels go, it stays pretty sufferable.
► Really enjoyable. Recommended for romance fans who are fed up of instalove.
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January 16, 2016
3 meh stars. Review posted January 16, 2016
What was great about this book was the author's writing. I really dug that. Unfortunately, Asking For It didn't work out for me as a romance. It's strange, really, but I felt amused, entertained, annoyed and bored in equal parts. I chuckled many times.
Some funny quotes for your perusal
“Richard? Come here, baby!”
Jesus.
The cat, which was bloody enormous and did not need to be fed twice a day, appeared at a leisurely stroll. It sniffed the bowl disdainfully and then sat down to lick its leg. Richard assumed they could now leave it to eat in private. He didn’t need visual proof as to what constituted feline bowel issues.
Lifting the cat slightly away from her, Lainie looked from its grumpy face to Richard. And then back again. She walked over and held it up next to him. “Hmm.”
“Don’t say it.”
"Hashtag twinsies.”
She stabbed her fork into a strawberry and ate it with relish. She was fairly sure the berries had come out of a can, but they were still tasty. “A morning quickie sort of bloke, are you?” she asked, going there out of sheer nosiness. “Or is it wham-bam-get-out-my-bed-ma’am?”
He smiled against his will. “I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s the latter. I prefer not to actually sleep next to someone if I can avoid it.” He added smoothly, “Although I handle the situation as tactfully as possible, of course.”
“Which, coming from you, probably means your poor girlfriends find themselves standing on the doorstep, wrapped in a bedsheet and clutching their knickers.”
“Only in the summertime. If it’s winter, I let them take a blanket, as well.”
“How about that? A joke.”
But she was usually wearing a lace bra in a sexual situation. Or, at the very least, separate cups of cotton. Not a clammy sports bra that gave her an epic case of mono-boob. Her generous assets were currently squished and flattened into a veritable shelf. It was not a sight she wanted to expose to Richard. And she still needed a shower.
On the other hand, I was waiting for it to be over. It took me seven bloody days to finish and that's never a good sign. The heroine had spine and spunk, yet I never really warmed up to neither heroine nor hero. The sad truth is that I didn't much care what they were doing. From the beginning, I couldn't feel their chemistry and the UST failed to intrigue me. In my book, the romance never took off. And the extensive cast of secondary characters did not interest me either. Again, really good writing, but when it comes to matters of the heart, it completely missed the mark for me. Also, Lainie's stupid and careless mistake was totally predictable and disappointed me.
I'm probably not the right audience for this book. Although given that I enjoyed the writing, I'm definitely interested to read more by Lucy Parker in the future.
What was great about this book was the author's writing. I really dug that. Unfortunately, Asking For It didn't work out for me as a romance. It's strange, really, but I felt amused, entertained, annoyed and bored in equal parts. I chuckled many times.
Some funny quotes for your perusal
“Richard? Come here, baby!”
Jesus.
The cat, which was bloody enormous and did not need to be fed twice a day, appeared at a leisurely stroll. It sniffed the bowl disdainfully and then sat down to lick its leg. Richard assumed they could now leave it to eat in private. He didn’t need visual proof as to what constituted feline bowel issues.
Lifting the cat slightly away from her, Lainie looked from its grumpy face to Richard. And then back again. She walked over and held it up next to him. “Hmm.”
“Don’t say it.”
"Hashtag twinsies.”
She stabbed her fork into a strawberry and ate it with relish. She was fairly sure the berries had come out of a can, but they were still tasty. “A morning quickie sort of bloke, are you?” she asked, going there out of sheer nosiness. “Or is it wham-bam-get-out-my-bed-ma’am?”
He smiled against his will. “I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that it’s the latter. I prefer not to actually sleep next to someone if I can avoid it.” He added smoothly, “Although I handle the situation as tactfully as possible, of course.”
“Which, coming from you, probably means your poor girlfriends find themselves standing on the doorstep, wrapped in a bedsheet and clutching their knickers.”
“Only in the summertime. If it’s winter, I let them take a blanket, as well.”
“How about that? A joke.”
But she was usually wearing a lace bra in a sexual situation. Or, at the very least, separate cups of cotton. Not a clammy sports bra that gave her an epic case of mono-boob. Her generous assets were currently squished and flattened into a veritable shelf. It was not a sight she wanted to expose to Richard. And she still needed a shower.
On the other hand, I was waiting for it to be over. It took me seven bloody days to finish and that's never a good sign. The heroine had spine and spunk, yet I never really warmed up to neither heroine nor hero. The sad truth is that I didn't much care what they were doing. From the beginning, I couldn't feel their chemistry and the UST failed to intrigue me. In my book, the romance never took off. And the extensive cast of secondary characters did not interest me either. Again, really good writing, but when it comes to matters of the heart, it completely missed the mark for me. Also, Lainie's stupid and careless mistake was totally predictable and disappointed me.
I'm probably not the right audience for this book. Although given that I enjoyed the writing, I'm definitely interested to read more by Lucy Parker in the future.
November 10, 2023
On Kindle sale today 10th Nov 2023 for USD 1.99.
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 60 on my shelf. This is book 17.
(Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Colleagues, Starched (hero) Gets Unstarched, Fake Relationship, Sickbed Vigilance)
This is how my 17th re-read held up.
**********
- “The public loves a mismatch. The bad boy redeemed by the company ingénue.”
**********
Quick summary: Good girl actress, Lainie Graham, is asked by her theatre production’s PR person to fake-date West End’s super talent and grumpy misanthrope, Richard Troy, before he completely ruins his and the theatre’s image.
- And when the curtain came down and the skin of the character was shed, Richard Troy was an intolerable prick.
- He looked around the filling room with disdain. “Three-quarters of these people are a walking waste of oxygen. And that’s a conservative estimate.”
Richard is not an unpolished diamond, he’s actually a bit of a a**hole. He’s a snob, has a temper and says the wrong things.
Lainie is basically poles apart.
At first, Richard is not even remotely moved by Lainie.
- His warm breath gently fanned her ear when he ducked his head and whispered, “You’re habitually overplaying the death scene.”
But it doesn’t take much time in her kindhearted presence before she has an effect on him.
- His apparent involvement with Lainie seemed more likely to damage her reputation than polish his own. Surprisingly, the thought irritated him.
And once Lainie is forced to spend some time with Richard, she is not so intimidated.
- (She wants to have a section of the newspaper he is reading.) “Bad night’s sleep?”
“No.”
“Huh.” Swinging her legs up beneath her, she rested her chin on her arm and frowned. “So—it’s just you, then.” She paused, counting to three in her head, and then asked helpfully, “Should we talk about that?”
“Take the bloody paper.”
“Thank you.”
- Lifting the cat slightly away from her, Lainie looked from its grumpy face to Richard. And then back again. She walked over and held it up next to him. “Hmm.”
“Don’t say it.”
“Hashtag twinsies.”
And while there is absolutely no dramatic transformation in Richard, Lainie slowly sees sides he tries hard to hide and/or struggle to show.
- She was physically trembling, literally vibrating with tension. This never happened onstage.
The surprise she’d felt at his earlier, almost friendly remark was nothing to her astonishment when he casually reached out and took her hand in his.
- “I’m aware,” he said finally, in a low voice, “that I can be...difficult to get along with. And I don’t always make allowances for individual circumstances. I expect people to just take anything I say and fire back.” The corner of his mouth tilted. “As you do.”
- Feelings—warm, strong, nauseating feelings—were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.
Mix some growing emotions, sexual tension, and a little illness, and you’ve got an awesome recipe.
- His breath fanned her ear as he spoke. “You seem awfully concerned about Farmer there, Tig.” He nudged her cheek with his nose. “You’re obviously delirious in your weakened state. Repeat after me: I have no interest in Will Farmer.”
“No interest,” Lainie murmured obediently, and Richard carefully tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “He’s an ugly bastard who doesn’t have a quarter of Richard’s talent.”
“Richard...no talent...”
“We’ll work on the deplorable ad-libbing.”
- He leaned over the bed, his face hovering inches from her nose. “Can I help you?” she asked politely and shivered when their breath mingled.
He eyed her mouth. “I’m considering whether it would be worth the risk of infection.”
“I think that ship has sailed. You’ve been rubbing up against my germs for days.”
“Well, in that case...”
And then……….
- She felt every moment of the hours that followed: the brush of his hair against intimate flesh, the warm suction of his mouth on her neck and her breasts, his soft kiss on the sensitive inner flesh of her upper arm when she reached back to the headboard, his hands—everywhere, it seemed.
(It should be noted the sex scenes in this book are very tame, covered in a few sentences)
- “I so knew it.” Sarah’s voice was smug in her ear.
Lainie removed her thumbnail from her mouth long enough to respond. “Did you? I didn’t.” She still wasn’t sure quite how this had happened. How, in a matter of weeks, she had ended up...
“Totally smitten,” Sarah said. “Both of you.”
Of course there are obstacles, more than one ….but have no fear, they are solved and the loveable misanthrope doesn't change too much.
- Richard’s hand came up to cradle the back of her head. “Shut the door behind you,” he said to the others.
Through her tears, Lainie choked on a relieved snort and elbowed him.
Sounding as if he was rolling his eyes, he added, “Please.”
**********
I give it 5 glorifying stars!!!!!
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 60 on my shelf. This is book 17.
(Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Colleagues, Starched (hero) Gets Unstarched, Fake Relationship, Sickbed Vigilance)
This is how my 17th re-read held up.
**********
- “The public loves a mismatch. The bad boy redeemed by the company ingénue.”
**********
Quick summary: Good girl actress, Lainie Graham, is asked by her theatre production’s PR person to fake-date West End’s super talent and grumpy misanthrope, Richard Troy, before he completely ruins his and the theatre’s image.
- And when the curtain came down and the skin of the character was shed, Richard Troy was an intolerable prick.
- He looked around the filling room with disdain. “Three-quarters of these people are a walking waste of oxygen. And that’s a conservative estimate.”
Richard is not an unpolished diamond, he’s actually a bit of a a**hole. He’s a snob, has a temper and says the wrong things.
Lainie is basically poles apart.
At first, Richard is not even remotely moved by Lainie.
- His warm breath gently fanned her ear when he ducked his head and whispered, “You’re habitually overplaying the death scene.”
But it doesn’t take much time in her kindhearted presence before she has an effect on him.
- His apparent involvement with Lainie seemed more likely to damage her reputation than polish his own. Surprisingly, the thought irritated him.
And once Lainie is forced to spend some time with Richard, she is not so intimidated.
- (She wants to have a section of the newspaper he is reading.) “Bad night’s sleep?”
“No.”
“Huh.” Swinging her legs up beneath her, she rested her chin on her arm and frowned. “So—it’s just you, then.” She paused, counting to three in her head, and then asked helpfully, “Should we talk about that?”
“Take the bloody paper.”
“Thank you.”
- Lifting the cat slightly away from her, Lainie looked from its grumpy face to Richard. And then back again. She walked over and held it up next to him. “Hmm.”
“Don’t say it.”
“Hashtag twinsies.”
And while there is absolutely no dramatic transformation in Richard, Lainie slowly sees sides he tries hard to hide and/or struggle to show.
- She was physically trembling, literally vibrating with tension. This never happened onstage.
The surprise she’d felt at his earlier, almost friendly remark was nothing to her astonishment when he casually reached out and took her hand in his.
- “I’m aware,” he said finally, in a low voice, “that I can be...difficult to get along with. And I don’t always make allowances for individual circumstances. I expect people to just take anything I say and fire back.” The corner of his mouth tilted. “As you do.”
- Feelings—warm, strong, nauseating feelings—were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.
Mix some growing emotions, sexual tension, and a little illness, and you’ve got an awesome recipe.
- His breath fanned her ear as he spoke. “You seem awfully concerned about Farmer there, Tig.” He nudged her cheek with his nose. “You’re obviously delirious in your weakened state. Repeat after me: I have no interest in Will Farmer.”
“No interest,” Lainie murmured obediently, and Richard carefully tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “He’s an ugly bastard who doesn’t have a quarter of Richard’s talent.”
“Richard...no talent...”
“We’ll work on the deplorable ad-libbing.”
- He leaned over the bed, his face hovering inches from her nose. “Can I help you?” she asked politely and shivered when their breath mingled.
He eyed her mouth. “I’m considering whether it would be worth the risk of infection.”
“I think that ship has sailed. You’ve been rubbing up against my germs for days.”
“Well, in that case...”
And then……….
- She felt every moment of the hours that followed: the brush of his hair against intimate flesh, the warm suction of his mouth on her neck and her breasts, his soft kiss on the sensitive inner flesh of her upper arm when she reached back to the headboard, his hands—everywhere, it seemed.
(It should be noted the sex scenes in this book are very tame, covered in a few sentences)
- “I so knew it.” Sarah’s voice was smug in her ear.
Lainie removed her thumbnail from her mouth long enough to respond. “Did you? I didn’t.” She still wasn’t sure quite how this had happened. How, in a matter of weeks, she had ended up...
“Totally smitten,” Sarah said. “Both of you.”
Of course there are obstacles, more than one ….but have no fear, they are solved and the loveable misanthrope doesn't change too much.
- Richard’s hand came up to cradle the back of her head. “Shut the door behind you,” he said to the others.
Through her tears, Lainie choked on a relieved snort and elbowed him.
Sounding as if he was rolling his eyes, he added, “Please.”
**********
I give it 5 glorifying stars!!!!!
September 14, 2016
Such a hidden gem this one. Bloody loved it.
Very British, settled in London, the city I adore, with West End in the background.
Witty, adorably snarky and sweet heroine Elaine, is paired up with London's bad boy of theatre world. She is to repair Richard's tarnished reputation and make public hate him less.
And let me just say, the comparison used in a book was so spot on that I couldn't stop laughing.
Grumpy Richard and the cat Richard...
But to the point, they hardly knew each other before being forced into fake relationship, but when the time flew by and they spent more and more time together, it was only natural for them to get closer. And since it is also known that opposites attract, they both had no chance but to fall in love.
Overall, great story, great characters, great humor, very nicely done romantic comedy. And I heard it's a debut, wow. Good job! I recommend!
Very British, settled in London, the city I adore, with West End in the background.
Witty, adorably snarky and sweet heroine Elaine, is paired up with London's bad boy of theatre world. She is to repair Richard's tarnished reputation and make public hate him less.
And let me just say, the comparison used in a book was so spot on that I couldn't stop laughing.
Grumpy Richard and the cat Richard...
But to the point, they hardly knew each other before being forced into fake relationship, but when the time flew by and they spent more and more time together, it was only natural for them to get closer. And since it is also known that opposites attract, they both had no chance but to fall in love.
Overall, great story, great characters, great humor, very nicely done romantic comedy. And I heard it's a debut, wow. Good job! I recommend!
January 2, 2023
I loved this book SO MUCH!!!!! Lucy Parker, you talented bitch!!!
Am I on an accidental binge of celebrity romances? ... Yes. But I'm embracing it! This is my brand now.
This gorgeous book tells the story of Lainie and Richard, two actors currently starring on a West End play.
He's a rich, snobby, sexy, condescending dick and she's a perfect Earth angel who looks like Jessica Rabbit.
For Romance Reasons that involve Richard's decaying popularity (there's a fine line between beloved bad boy and hated privileged jerk) and Lainie's perfect public persona, they are cajoled by the Powers That Be into fake dating in order to warm the public up to Richard again and thus sell more tickets.
I cannot put into words how much I loved Richard and his snarky self. He had the perfect comeback to every single thing and was actually sure he was better than everyone else, but in the BEST WAY, I promise!! Plus, once he started opening up to Lainie and letting her in, I was completely done for.
And Lainie, I mean, she's an angel but she's no pushover, which made their dynamic super fiery and delicious.
Here are things you can find in this book:
- Grumpy X Sunshine;
- Enemies to lovers;
- Fake dating;
- Top notch sickbed scene;
- Perfect banter;
- Wittiest dialogue;
- A cat with the hero's name (and same resting bitch face).
If there’s anything more that you could possibly want, I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU!!!!
This was a quick, funny, amazing read and I loved every second! Onto the next one in the series! 💃🏻🥰
Am I on an accidental binge of celebrity romances? ... Yes. But I'm embracing it! This is my brand now.
This gorgeous book tells the story of Lainie and Richard, two actors currently starring on a West End play.
He's a rich, snobby, sexy, condescending dick and she's a perfect Earth angel who looks like Jessica Rabbit.
For Romance Reasons that involve Richard's decaying popularity (there's a fine line between beloved bad boy and hated privileged jerk) and Lainie's perfect public persona, they are cajoled by the Powers That Be into fake dating in order to warm the public up to Richard again and thus sell more tickets.
I cannot put into words how much I loved Richard and his snarky self. He had the perfect comeback to every single thing and was actually sure he was better than everyone else, but in the BEST WAY, I promise!! Plus, once he started opening up to Lainie and letting her in, I was completely done for.
And Lainie, I mean, she's an angel but she's no pushover, which made their dynamic super fiery and delicious.
Here are things you can find in this book:
- Grumpy X Sunshine;
- Enemies to lovers;
- Fake dating;
- Top notch sickbed scene;
- Perfect banter;
- Wittiest dialogue;
- A cat with the hero's name (and same resting bitch face).
If there’s anything more that you could possibly want, I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU!!!!
This was a quick, funny, amazing read and I loved every second! Onto the next one in the series! 💃🏻🥰
February 4, 2017
This is one of those books that you have to give their premise. In this case because it's kind of silly if you analyze it at all. I remember having to make the conscious choice just to roll with the first chapter or two. Fortunately, after that initial setup, this just takes off and provides some very engaging fun.
A lot of that is due to Lainie. She's kind and she's focused and you can see why it is that she has such a good-girl reputation beyond merely having a hand in some charities. Plus, she isn't perfect or cloying at all about it but rather came across as someone who makes mistakes without letting them devastate her or keep her from trying to be better next time.
And Richard turned out surprisingly well, too. It takes a subtle hand to depict a Darcy-like character and Richard is definitely that. He doesn't mean to be stuck-up but honestly doesn't know any other way. Parker does a great job showing his emotional isolation and the yearning awoken in him by his association with Lainie. Indeed, once I understood his character better, it broke my heart to see him so awkward in learning to be kind and see him working to overcome well-earned habits of reserve.
So I was charmed by both and very willing to be along for a fun romantic ride. And I really like how well-suited they were for one another—each providing strengths that were important to the other. I didn't even mind the (minor) authorial intrusions in the end that extended the book a few chapters beyond really necessary. The confluence of good/bad breaks strained credulity but by that time I liked the characters enough and trusted their fundamental attachment and suitability that I didn't mind riding out the disruptions. Plus, I really liked seeing Lainie grow into making positive assertions in what until then had been a passive role in simply accepting a situation she was coerced into in the beginning.
So yeah, a really strong novel and I'm so glad it crossed my path. I can't quite go the full five-stars due to both the awkward setup and the ending manipulations, but it's certainly a solid four and I am eager to find more by the author.
A note about Steamy: There were a couple explicit sex scenes. I think. My consumption of this audiobook was spread out enough I'm afraid I forget how many, really. In the middle of my steam tolerance, at any rate. Their physical intimacy was an important milestone as an indication of their growing emotional vulnerability so it was well-timed and well-depicted.
A lot of that is due to Lainie. She's kind and she's focused and you can see why it is that she has such a good-girl reputation beyond merely having a hand in some charities. Plus, she isn't perfect or cloying at all about it but rather came across as someone who makes mistakes without letting them devastate her or keep her from trying to be better next time.
And Richard turned out surprisingly well, too. It takes a subtle hand to depict a Darcy-like character and Richard is definitely that. He doesn't mean to be stuck-up but honestly doesn't know any other way. Parker does a great job showing his emotional isolation and the yearning awoken in him by his association with Lainie. Indeed, once I understood his character better, it broke my heart to see him so awkward in learning to be kind and see him working to overcome well-earned habits of reserve.
So I was charmed by both and very willing to be along for a fun romantic ride. And I really like how well-suited they were for one another—each providing strengths that were important to the other. I didn't even mind the (minor) authorial intrusions in the end that extended the book a few chapters beyond really necessary. The confluence of good/bad breaks strained credulity but by that time I liked the characters enough and trusted their fundamental attachment and suitability that I didn't mind riding out the disruptions. Plus, I really liked seeing Lainie grow into making positive assertions in what until then had been a passive role in simply accepting a situation she was coerced into in the beginning.
So yeah, a really strong novel and I'm so glad it crossed my path. I can't quite go the full five-stars due to both the awkward setup and the ending manipulations, but it's certainly a solid four and I am eager to find more by the author.
A note about Steamy: There were a couple explicit sex scenes. I think. My consumption of this audiobook was spread out enough I'm afraid I forget how many, really. In the middle of my steam tolerance, at any rate. Their physical intimacy was an important milestone as an indication of their growing emotional vulnerability so it was well-timed and well-depicted.
June 3, 2021
This was grump/sunshine heaven!!! I can't wait to continue with the series.
July 19, 2022
*bazillionth reread*
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I just love Richard & Lainey so much.
*cries thinking about how precious they are*
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I just love Richard & Lainey so much.
*cries thinking about how precious they are*
March 13, 2016
Lots of fun and wonderful writing!
This starts out as a fake romance between British stage actors that (of course) turns into the real thing. Richard is talented, rich, and good looking, but his manners and attitude leave MUCH to be desired! He's a big grouch and his reputation is hurting ticket sales so management propose an idea to bring his popularity up. Set him up in a fake romance with Lainie, another star of the show and a fan favorite. Lainie has the sympathies of the public after being publicly dumped by the Will, another actor in the show, as he takes up with another woman. Lainie is coerced into the fake romance for a reason close to her heart. Just loved Lainie and the wonders she did for Richard!
Act Like It was super cute, filled with British humor and words (can I just say I love the word stroppy?), and left me with a big smile on my face.
This starts out as a fake romance between British stage actors that (of course) turns into the real thing. Richard is talented, rich, and good looking, but his manners and attitude leave MUCH to be desired! He's a big grouch and his reputation is hurting ticket sales so management propose an idea to bring his popularity up. Set him up in a fake romance with Lainie, another star of the show and a fan favorite. Lainie has the sympathies of the public after being publicly dumped by the Will, another actor in the show, as he takes up with another woman. Lainie is coerced into the fake romance for a reason close to her heart. Just loved Lainie and the wonders she did for Richard!
Act Like It was super cute, filled with British humor and words (can I just say I love the word stroppy?), and left me with a big smile on my face.
February 27, 2016
Lucy Parker's debut is phenomenal. Her writing reminded me, quite often, of Sara Manning's work. She has the same style of British romance, complete with a brooding hero and a heroine who doesn't seem to be quite right but, nevertheless, is perfect. Act Like It is a classic fake boyfriend/girlfriend trope and I ate it up completely.
Lainie, a theater actress, finds herself kissing her ex-boyfriend every night on stage--a painful process, to say the least. Will, the lead in the drama she is starring in, is every bit as handsome as his role boasts but when he cheats on Lainie, she is left feeling more embarrassed than bitter. The media has cast their pity with her and, as such, she seems to be the perfect candidate to help change the reputation of Richard, the talented actor who plays the villain in Lainie and Will's show. Richard is known for his skill on stage, but not so much for his ability to keep his temper off stage. When Richard and Lainie are thrown together by their stage director and PR managers, they are both reluctant and highly skeptical of their ability to even act as if they like one another. But with time, the act seems less and less like a burden and more and more like...reality?
Parker paces this romance perfectly, which is absolutely key. Lainie and Richard don't hate one another, but they also don't have feelings for one another and, in some ways, that indifference is almost worse. It's a tougher hurdle to cross, but also a much more interesting one. As Lainie and Richard are forced to spend time together at various events, they grow to surprise one another. Lainie isn't quite as silly as Richard believes and Richard isn't nearly the grouch he's portrayed by the media. Their banter, their snark, and their tender moments shine in the midst of seamless prose, all surrounded by a cast of secondary characters which brings the theater world to life. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page and simply had to know how these two would find their way to one another.
Moreover, I adore that Richard instills a confidence in Lainie she didn't have before, just as she adds a much-needed dose of balance to his life. They're both actors but their lives don't have the glamorous, too-fake-to-be-real quality that often bothers me in these types of set-ups. Yet, I especially appreciate that their qualms are never dealt with through drama; instead, these two talk through their issues like the reasonable adults that they are. It's refreshing and, believe it or not, still utterly romantic. Act Like It is an absolute pick-me-up read, sure to brighten your day and have you flipping through its pages for days, unwilling to let go of the characters or the words that paint their life. I still find myself re-reading my favorite passages and though a surprise, this is sure to be a favorite of the year for many--myself included.
Lainie, a theater actress, finds herself kissing her ex-boyfriend every night on stage--a painful process, to say the least. Will, the lead in the drama she is starring in, is every bit as handsome as his role boasts but when he cheats on Lainie, she is left feeling more embarrassed than bitter. The media has cast their pity with her and, as such, she seems to be the perfect candidate to help change the reputation of Richard, the talented actor who plays the villain in Lainie and Will's show. Richard is known for his skill on stage, but not so much for his ability to keep his temper off stage. When Richard and Lainie are thrown together by their stage director and PR managers, they are both reluctant and highly skeptical of their ability to even act as if they like one another. But with time, the act seems less and less like a burden and more and more like...reality?
Parker paces this romance perfectly, which is absolutely key. Lainie and Richard don't hate one another, but they also don't have feelings for one another and, in some ways, that indifference is almost worse. It's a tougher hurdle to cross, but also a much more interesting one. As Lainie and Richard are forced to spend time together at various events, they grow to surprise one another. Lainie isn't quite as silly as Richard believes and Richard isn't nearly the grouch he's portrayed by the media. Their banter, their snark, and their tender moments shine in the midst of seamless prose, all surrounded by a cast of secondary characters which brings the theater world to life. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page and simply had to know how these two would find their way to one another.
Moreover, I adore that Richard instills a confidence in Lainie she didn't have before, just as she adds a much-needed dose of balance to his life. They're both actors but their lives don't have the glamorous, too-fake-to-be-real quality that often bothers me in these types of set-ups. Yet, I especially appreciate that their qualms are never dealt with through drama; instead, these two talk through their issues like the reasonable adults that they are. It's refreshing and, believe it or not, still utterly romantic. Act Like It is an absolute pick-me-up read, sure to brighten your day and have you flipping through its pages for days, unwilling to let go of the characters or the words that paint their life. I still find myself re-reading my favorite passages and though a surprise, this is sure to be a favorite of the year for many--myself included.
November 13, 2020
When I asked a friend for a not-so-steamy romance recommendation, Lucy Parker was her immediate suggestion.
Richard and Lainie are actors in London's West End. Though talented, Richard's cranky off-stage antics are turning his fans against him, and the theater is worried they won't be able to sell tickets. Fan favorite Lanie is already stuck working with her cheating ex-boyfriend, and then it gets worse: she's asked to pose as his new girlfriend to help Richard clean up his reputation. And fans love nothing more than an on-stage/off-stage romance, so soon they're packing in the crowds. But then the lines between on-stage and off begin to blur (of course!).
A super-fun series opener that I've now read more than once. And heads up: while Act Like It is closed door, the series becomes more open door as it progresses.
Richard and Lainie are actors in London's West End. Though talented, Richard's cranky off-stage antics are turning his fans against him, and the theater is worried they won't be able to sell tickets. Fan favorite Lanie is already stuck working with her cheating ex-boyfriend, and then it gets worse: she's asked to pose as his new girlfriend to help Richard clean up his reputation. And fans love nothing more than an on-stage/off-stage romance, so soon they're packing in the crowds. But then the lines between on-stage and off begin to blur (of course!).
A super-fun series opener that I've now read more than once. And heads up: while Act Like It is closed door, the series becomes more open door as it progresses.
January 6, 2016
It's only the first week of January and here I am giving a five-star rating. I'm gobsmacked. Like, stop-the-presses, will-wonders-never-cease gobsmacked.
This book is delightful! Funny, and clever, and so very romantic. With a smart, beautiful, empowered and realistic heroine, and a hero who is a modern, sweep-you-off-your-feet Mr Darcy. By the end you will be smitten with both of them.
This book revisits some of romance's best-loved tropes without ever becoming humdrum or stilted. This is Pride & Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary and every Richard Curtis romantic comedy ever made all threaded into a single novel that is refreshingly well-delivered. Just lovely.
Kudos, Ms Parker. You just hit my auto-buy author list.
This book is delightful! Funny, and clever, and so very romantic. With a smart, beautiful, empowered and realistic heroine, and a hero who is a modern, sweep-you-off-your-feet Mr Darcy. By the end you will be smitten with both of them.
This book revisits some of romance's best-loved tropes without ever becoming humdrum or stilted. This is Pride & Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary and every Richard Curtis romantic comedy ever made all threaded into a single novel that is refreshingly well-delivered. Just lovely.
Kudos, Ms Parker. You just hit my auto-buy author list.
December 19, 2025
After a reread, I bumped it up to five stars. I even enjoyed it more the second time. I think because I am used to this author's style now.
Adorable “fake relationship” story set in the London Theater scene. Hero is the “next Olivier,” son of a (now deceased) disgraced right-wing politician and a actress mother. He is an equal-opportunity snob, with an aggressive manner that hides his sensitive nature.
Heroine is a redhead “ingenue” who is starring in the same period drama as the hero. She had an affair with a co-star (OM) who publicly cheated on her. She is still hurting from the public nature of the betrayal when the stage manager proposes the H/h stage a fake relationship to drum up ticket sales.
The opening clearly establishes the tone of the story – wry and witty – but my interest didn’t catch until the H/h actually started interacting beyond snarky comments and flounces. The scene with the hero marveling over the giant pumpkin at the village fete was adorable.
Give this one a go (I’m using Britishisms after reading this!) if you want a fun, heartfelt romance to lift your spirits.
Possible triggers: discussions of suicide. Cancer.
Adorable “fake relationship” story set in the London Theater scene. Hero is the “next Olivier,” son of a (now deceased) disgraced right-wing politician and a actress mother. He is an equal-opportunity snob, with an aggressive manner that hides his sensitive nature.
Heroine is a redhead “ingenue” who is starring in the same period drama as the hero. She had an affair with a co-star (OM) who publicly cheated on her. She is still hurting from the public nature of the betrayal when the stage manager proposes the H/h stage a fake relationship to drum up ticket sales.
The opening clearly establishes the tone of the story – wry and witty – but my interest didn’t catch until the H/h actually started interacting beyond snarky comments and flounces. The scene with the hero marveling over the giant pumpkin at the village fete was adorable.
Give this one a go (I’m using Britishisms after reading this!) if you want a fun, heartfelt romance to lift your spirits.
Possible triggers: discussions of suicide. Cancer.
January 10, 2016
4 stars!
I enjoyed this smart, witty, and sweet story.
The Cavalier's Tribute is the play running on the stage of The Metronome, but the backstage antics may be more drama.
Recently dumped by one of her cast-mates, Lainie Graham understands awkward. Each night she has to interact with her ex on stage. Though she's not too bent about the situation, the press is loving the gossip that surrounds them.
The press has also been following another cast member. Richard Troy is known for his great acting, but also, his volatile behavior. In fact, his outbursts are starting to hurt ticket sales with all the negative press about him.
As Lainie is the sweet level-headed theatre darling, Richards PR group thinks if they pretend to have a relationship, not only will Richard look better, but hopefully more seats will be filled.
Of course it's a horrible idea. Richard can be a haughty jerk, and it's hard to be in his presence. And they know exactly where to hit Lainie, so she cannot refuse.
What will occur when these talents need to 'act like it'?
I don't want this to come off as condescending, but this book was super cute.
I admit, I was a little leery about this one at first. With my limited educational background, I was afraid this was going to be too smart for me and over my head. Fortunately, I was grabbed by the plot and characters, and found this to be a great read. Knowing this was a debut novel was especially impressive.
In a romance world where it seems insta-love/lust is running rampant, I'm so glad this set a nice gradual and realistic pace.
Since I'm a fan of the asshole hero, this was also an added plus for me. I loved how Lainie didn't take any if Richards shit, and was able to give it back. Their banter left me with big smiles.
Basically this was a big win for me, and I really enjoyed it.
Would recommend if you want a sweet, semi-enemies to lovers story, with a slow burn, rich dialogue, low on the steam, but big on the heart read.
I enjoyed this smart, witty, and sweet story.
The Cavalier's Tribute is the play running on the stage of The Metronome, but the backstage antics may be more drama.
Recently dumped by one of her cast-mates, Lainie Graham understands awkward. Each night she has to interact with her ex on stage. Though she's not too bent about the situation, the press is loving the gossip that surrounds them.
The press has also been following another cast member. Richard Troy is known for his great acting, but also, his volatile behavior. In fact, his outbursts are starting to hurt ticket sales with all the negative press about him.
As Lainie is the sweet level-headed theatre darling, Richards PR group thinks if they pretend to have a relationship, not only will Richard look better, but hopefully more seats will be filled.
Of course it's a horrible idea. Richard can be a haughty jerk, and it's hard to be in his presence. And they know exactly where to hit Lainie, so she cannot refuse.
What will occur when these talents need to 'act like it'?
Give me strength. Or a blunt instrument.
I don't want this to come off as condescending, but this book was super cute.
I admit, I was a little leery about this one at first. With my limited educational background, I was afraid this was going to be too smart for me and over my head. Fortunately, I was grabbed by the plot and characters, and found this to be a great read. Knowing this was a debut novel was especially impressive.
In a romance world where it seems insta-love/lust is running rampant, I'm so glad this set a nice gradual and realistic pace.
Since I'm a fan of the asshole hero, this was also an added plus for me. I loved how Lainie didn't take any if Richards shit, and was able to give it back. Their banter left me with big smiles.
Basically this was a big win for me, and I really enjoyed it.
Would recommend if you want a sweet, semi-enemies to lovers story, with a slow burn, rich dialogue, low on the steam, but big on the heart read.
June 23, 2018
There is no way I could kiss someone I hate...
I really admire stage actors. I don’t know how they memorise so many lines or remember the exact spot they’re supposed to stand. Sure, I get that if you do it enough times you’ll remember but I would find the audience very distracting. I also don’t know how actors can be intimate…without the intimate feelings attached. You kiss the same bloke every night for months, and not feel anything? How do you do that? You kiss the same bloke every night, who also happens to be your ex who cheated on you…without feeling a need to throw up/stab him in the eye/kick him in the groin? How the hell do you do that? I guess I was never meant for the stage.
Did I ever tell you that my siblings are both into drama? Well, it’s a bit of a joke in my family that I am the complete opposite of them. Growing up, I still remember the drama teacher at school shaking her head at me and saying, “You’re not at all like your sisters, are you?” Probably seems a little harsh but the facts are the facts, I couldn’t act to save myself.
With my experience with my sisters, I found that I could relate to the characters in the story better. There is one thing I found myself agreeing with, without even realising I felt that way until I read it. It’s very hard to tell when an actor is not acting. Are they genuinely upbeat and happy all the time or are they putting on a front? Is their appearance of interest in my rants about stuff, genuine, or are they thinking about their own stuff? I suppose we can all put on an act when dealing with people but I guess we are more suspect when we KNOW they can put on a good performance.
I really enjoyed Act Like It. I’m in a reading group that has been RAVING about Lucy Parker for ages. I was keen to check this new author to me out, but I kept getting distracted. Up to date with stuff and FINALLY having some free reading time, I bought my first Lucy Parker and settled in to see what all the fuss was about.
I think I was supposed to dislike Richard at first. I’ll be honest here and say that I REALLY GOT RICHARD. Oh boy, would I love to have enough money and clout to actually be free to call out STUPID people. Wouldn’t it be awesome to just walk away from people who annoy you? What I wouldn’t give to be able to tell someone their wrong and give them a detailed accounting of where, how and why they're so stupid. Sure, Richard’s reputation was a little tarnished and he may be a wee bit lonely…but for 5 seconds, I wanted that freedom.
I liked Lainie from the start but I couldn’t fathom how she could work with her ex, Will, and be intimate with him on stage? I also struggled with her acceptance to step in and help get Richard’s reputation cleaned up. So, she was expected to kiss her ex in front of her new man. It’s all an act of course, but geez, how do you turn off feelings? Again, I guess I was never meant for the stage.
This story was very engaging. I really liked the characters, found the storyline interesting and loved seeing the slow burn romance develop between Lainie and Richard. I would describe the intimate scenes as…watching through a filmy curtain. You’re given the shapes, know what is really happening but don’t have all the details. I wouldn’t say I was satisfied, but at least I didn’t have the door slammed in my face.
I’m so glad that I’ve met Lucy Parker’s characters and I will definitely go back for more of her entertaining style of writing.
I really admire stage actors. I don’t know how they memorise so many lines or remember the exact spot they’re supposed to stand. Sure, I get that if you do it enough times you’ll remember but I would find the audience very distracting. I also don’t know how actors can be intimate…without the intimate feelings attached. You kiss the same bloke every night for months, and not feel anything? How do you do that? You kiss the same bloke every night, who also happens to be your ex who cheated on you…without feeling a need to throw up/stab him in the eye/kick him in the groin? How the hell do you do that? I guess I was never meant for the stage.
Did I ever tell you that my siblings are both into drama? Well, it’s a bit of a joke in my family that I am the complete opposite of them. Growing up, I still remember the drama teacher at school shaking her head at me and saying, “You’re not at all like your sisters, are you?” Probably seems a little harsh but the facts are the facts, I couldn’t act to save myself.
With my experience with my sisters, I found that I could relate to the characters in the story better. There is one thing I found myself agreeing with, without even realising I felt that way until I read it. It’s very hard to tell when an actor is not acting. Are they genuinely upbeat and happy all the time or are they putting on a front? Is their appearance of interest in my rants about stuff, genuine, or are they thinking about their own stuff? I suppose we can all put on an act when dealing with people but I guess we are more suspect when we KNOW they can put on a good performance.
I really enjoyed Act Like It. I’m in a reading group that has been RAVING about Lucy Parker for ages. I was keen to check this new author to me out, but I kept getting distracted. Up to date with stuff and FINALLY having some free reading time, I bought my first Lucy Parker and settled in to see what all the fuss was about.
I think I was supposed to dislike Richard at first. I’ll be honest here and say that I REALLY GOT RICHARD. Oh boy, would I love to have enough money and clout to actually be free to call out STUPID people. Wouldn’t it be awesome to just walk away from people who annoy you? What I wouldn’t give to be able to tell someone their wrong and give them a detailed accounting of where, how and why they're so stupid. Sure, Richard’s reputation was a little tarnished and he may be a wee bit lonely…but for 5 seconds, I wanted that freedom.
I liked Lainie from the start but I couldn’t fathom how she could work with her ex, Will, and be intimate with him on stage? I also struggled with her acceptance to step in and help get Richard’s reputation cleaned up. So, she was expected to kiss her ex in front of her new man. It’s all an act of course, but geez, how do you turn off feelings? Again, I guess I was never meant for the stage.
This story was very engaging. I really liked the characters, found the storyline interesting and loved seeing the slow burn romance develop between Lainie and Richard. I would describe the intimate scenes as…watching through a filmy curtain. You’re given the shapes, know what is really happening but don’t have all the details. I wouldn’t say I was satisfied, but at least I didn’t have the door slammed in my face.
I’m so glad that I’ve met Lucy Parker’s characters and I will definitely go back for more of her entertaining style of writing.
Read
November 21, 2017This book, man. THIS BOOK. It’s a love story set in the glamorous and wacky world of London’s West End. Elaine Graham, theatre’s new sweetheart, is bribed into pretending to date Richard Troy, a man whose antics have turned his nickname from Byron to Dickhead. She gets a sizable donation for her charity, he gets a salvaged reputation. Too bad they can’t be in each other’s presence for five minutes without insults starting to flow.
I’m sure you can guess where this leads.
This is an absolute delight of a novel. With a wonderfully charming heroine, a surprisingly loveable hero (in a can-I-hit-you-upside-the-head-now-please way), and the kind of witty repartee that makes me think of smoke screens, cigarette holders and 1950s Hollywood, this book is a gift.
—Carolina Ciucci
from The Best Books We Read In July 2017: https://bookriot.com/2017/08/02/riot-...
____________________
There is literally nothing not to love about this romance. You’ve got London’s West End theater scene, a sweet-but-tough heroine, tons of trouble generated by larger-than-life characters in the supporting cast, and a hilariously grumpy-ass hero who makes “Mr. Darcy look like the poster child for low self-esteem.” The story is perfectly paced and even when they’re fighting–which they do for most of the first half of the book, and very entertainingly too–Richard and Lainie have incredible chemistry. I think what I adored most about this novel, though, was the peek into the world of the theater (“The theater, the theater, whatever happened to the theater” <–what plays in my head whenever someone says the word theater), with all its glamor and politics and fancy dresses and gossip and sexism. Very dramatic, and so much fun! A must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, imo.
–Tasha Brandstatter
from The Best Books We Read In January 2017: http://bookriot.com/2017/02/01/riot-r...
I’m sure you can guess where this leads.
This is an absolute delight of a novel. With a wonderfully charming heroine, a surprisingly loveable hero (in a can-I-hit-you-upside-the-head-now-please way), and the kind of witty repartee that makes me think of smoke screens, cigarette holders and 1950s Hollywood, this book is a gift.
—Carolina Ciucci
from The Best Books We Read In July 2017: https://bookriot.com/2017/08/02/riot-...
____________________
There is literally nothing not to love about this romance. You’ve got London’s West End theater scene, a sweet-but-tough heroine, tons of trouble generated by larger-than-life characters in the supporting cast, and a hilariously grumpy-ass hero who makes “Mr. Darcy look like the poster child for low self-esteem.” The story is perfectly paced and even when they’re fighting–which they do for most of the first half of the book, and very entertainingly too–Richard and Lainie have incredible chemistry. I think what I adored most about this novel, though, was the peek into the world of the theater (“The theater, the theater, whatever happened to the theater” <–what plays in my head whenever someone says the word theater), with all its glamor and politics and fancy dresses and gossip and sexism. Very dramatic, and so much fun! A must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, imo.
–Tasha Brandstatter
from The Best Books We Read In January 2017: http://bookriot.com/2017/02/01/riot-r...
May 10, 2018
This was a very enjoyable listen! I could see a reread raising it to 5 stars, but I'll leave it here for now. I think the ending had a little to much action. Great slow-build romance!
May 28, 2017
3.75 stars
This was a fast-paced read for me. Was still in the mood for something light (thanks for the recommendation Ira). Set in the London West End theatre district it follows Richard and Lainie who are sort of thrown together for PR purposes to try and salvage Richard's reputation.
But make-believe and reality sort of mesh together ...
I did not like Will and I am not sure how and why Lainie put up with him or even spoke to him off set. Yes, she was professional enough to act on stage with him but I would have given him a kick up the arse and told him to feck off.
Overall, a sweet, enjoyable read.
This was a fast-paced read for me. Was still in the mood for something light (thanks for the recommendation Ira). Set in the London West End theatre district it follows Richard and Lainie who are sort of thrown together for PR purposes to try and salvage Richard's reputation.
But make-believe and reality sort of mesh together ...
I did not like Will and I am not sure how and why Lainie put up with him or even spoke to him off set. Yes, she was professional enough to act on stage with him but I would have given him a kick up the arse and told him to feck off.
Overall, a sweet, enjoyable read.
May 21, 2024
Reread (7.) - 05/2024.
All time favorite book and comfort read.
My favorite MF romance series.
Beautiful writing, adult characters acting like adults and talking things through, slowly building chemistry, no stupid drama, no stereotyping. Perfect.
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Reread 12/2022.
This series is the perfect comfort read for me. Lately I couldn't find enjoyable contemporary FM-romance and jumped mostly between MM and hr, so it's lovely to reread this series for a change.
I just love everything about Lainie and Richard's book, most of all that they are adults who behave like adults. The writing is beautiful, the chemistry between the main characters is phantastic.
This is still an all times favorite for me.
And knowing how amazing the next book in the series is going to be, is an additional joy.
5 stars.
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5.reread 06/2022.
Love it still so much. An all time favorite.. Love the amazing writing style, building chemistry, and the main characters 'adult behaviour. 5 stars.
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An intriguing romance, I really liked the writing style.. I loved that the characters were adults and behaved like adults. No drama and angst, no irrational behaviour, no over the top feelings, no insta-love. The way the author showed us her characters and let them interact reminded me of “The hating game“ , which is one of my favorites. 4,5 stars.
Ps not a slow burn in my opinion, but pretty fast paced and on the shorter side, but since the storyline is so amazingly done, the whole package is perfect.
All time favorite book and comfort read.
My favorite MF romance series.
Beautiful writing, adult characters acting like adults and talking things through, slowly building chemistry, no stupid drama, no stereotyping. Perfect.
---------
Reread 12/2022.
This series is the perfect comfort read for me. Lately I couldn't find enjoyable contemporary FM-romance and jumped mostly between MM and hr, so it's lovely to reread this series for a change.
I just love everything about Lainie and Richard's book, most of all that they are adults who behave like adults. The writing is beautiful, the chemistry between the main characters is phantastic.
This is still an all times favorite for me.
And knowing how amazing the next book in the series is going to be, is an additional joy.
5 stars.
----------
5.reread 06/2022.
Love it still so much. An all time favorite.. Love the amazing writing style, building chemistry, and the main characters 'adult behaviour. 5 stars.
-----------
An intriguing romance, I really liked the writing style.. I loved that the characters were adults and behaved like adults. No drama and angst, no irrational behaviour, no over the top feelings, no insta-love. The way the author showed us her characters and let them interact reminded me of “The hating game“ , which is one of my favorites. 4,5 stars.
Ps not a slow burn in my opinion, but pretty fast paced and on the shorter side, but since the storyline is so amazingly done, the whole package is perfect.
February 10, 2016
This book has been out for a few months and I’ve had a lot of people text me, email me and tweet me and say – READ IT! So I bought it and then it got buried on my Kindle (seriously, how many book are buried on my kindle??) and I kind of forgot about it. But I finally read it and I fell in love. This book is adorable, it’s sexy and the banter is top-notch.
Richard and Lainie are both talented stage actors appearing in the same play in the West End in London. Richard is very good looking and pretty well-known to the press and gossip magazine for his good looks – and his bad behavior. Richard has a temper – a very, very bad temper. He has no time for people who annoy him and makes no excuses for his surly attitude. The public loves a bad boy of course, but Richard’s latest tantrums have left him not in the best light.
“There is a line at which a likable bad boy becomes a nasty entitled bastard whom the public would rather see hung out to dry in the street than to pay to watch prance about a stage in bloomers. And when somebody starts abusing their fans, making an absolute arse of themselves in public places, and alienating the people who paid for their bloody Ferrari, they may consider that line crossed.”
The producers of his play are getting worried that their beloved bad boy is turning into an unwanted bad boy – so they decide he needs an attitude adjustment – and that comes in the shape of Lainie Graham.
Lainie is a much gentler person – both on and off the stage and the producers think if they can push Richard and Lainie together off stage, as a sort of fake relationship for the press, it will help Richard’s image and keep ticket prices soaring. Now – I’m not a big fan of fake relationships in books – but this one worked really well. Lainie’s sister died as a teenager from cancer and ever since, Lainie has been very involved in charitable work. She misses her sister dearly and this is one way to embrace her legacy. The producers offer Lainie quite a bit of money from upcoming ticket sales if she poses with Richard outside of work and goes to a few key events together. Lainie can’t believe she is actually going to agree to this. Richard barely acknowledges she exists behind the stage curtain. He is extremely rude – and having just gotten out of a bad relationship with another actor she works with, does she really want to pretend to get involved with another one? But the money sways her.
Richard wants to be president of a theater organization, and this will definitely help his image. Plus, he hates Will Farmer, the actor that he works with who just recently broke up with Lainie, and pretending to be Lainie’s boyfriend for a few weeks would definitely ruffle Will’s feathers.
Oh Richard is a bad, bad, boy. His surly attitude made me swoon. A quiet man – when his temper gets a hold of him, he not only lets words unleash, but they are cutting words. When he has to go out in public as Lainie’s date, he knows it’s for the best for his image, but he is none-to-pleased. What is fun though, is that Lainie doesn’t take his crap. When Richard needs to talk to someone he deems important:
“Eric Westfield. Current vice president of the Society,” Richard said close to her ear. He put his hand on her upper arm and gently moved her about six inches away from him. “Could you just…”
“I’m sorry,” Lainie said, “did you just move me?”
Richard thinks everyone is a moron and he hates other actors and the press and pretty much everyone in general. But then spending time with Lainie – he starts to enjoy her company. *gasp* He falls in love with her wild hair and her stubbornness and the fact she won’t let him get away with anything. But that doesn’t mean he still can’t throw in a quip when they are pretending to hug for the cameras.
A camera flash went off nearby and Lainie spotted a photographer turning in their direction.
With a sigh that almost parted her hair, Richard lifted his arm and slid it around her waist. Pulling her against him, he smiled down at her and the creases reappeared around his sardonic blue eyes. His warm breath gently fanned her ear when he ducked his head and whispered, “You’re habitually overplaying the death scene.”
But then he does super sweet things – like when they have to go on television for a live interview, Lainie gets extremely nervous:
She was physically trembling, literally vibrating with tension. This never happened onstage.
The surprise she’d felt at his earlier, almost friendly remark was nothing to her astonishment when he casually reached out and took her hand in his. His finger felt strong and rough as he linked them through hers, pulling her wrist over to rest against his thigh.
Oh Richard.
Or when he realizes he is starting to fall in love with her:
It was more than that. He was…God, he was bonding with her.
Feelings – warm, strong, nauseating feelings – were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.
Her obvious pain had reached out and grabbed him around the throat. He’d wanted her in his arms. Would have settled for holding her hand. Then she’d kissed him – on the cheek, for God’s sake – and just about shocked his brain out of his skull. If he actually got her into bed, he might not survive the night.
Enemies to friends to lovers – with a slow, sensual build of romance, quick and witty banter. Such a treat to read. I think this is a debut author and I’m excited to see what she gives us next
Grade: A
Richard and Lainie are both talented stage actors appearing in the same play in the West End in London. Richard is very good looking and pretty well-known to the press and gossip magazine for his good looks – and his bad behavior. Richard has a temper – a very, very bad temper. He has no time for people who annoy him and makes no excuses for his surly attitude. The public loves a bad boy of course, but Richard’s latest tantrums have left him not in the best light.
“There is a line at which a likable bad boy becomes a nasty entitled bastard whom the public would rather see hung out to dry in the street than to pay to watch prance about a stage in bloomers. And when somebody starts abusing their fans, making an absolute arse of themselves in public places, and alienating the people who paid for their bloody Ferrari, they may consider that line crossed.”
The producers of his play are getting worried that their beloved bad boy is turning into an unwanted bad boy – so they decide he needs an attitude adjustment – and that comes in the shape of Lainie Graham.
Lainie is a much gentler person – both on and off the stage and the producers think if they can push Richard and Lainie together off stage, as a sort of fake relationship for the press, it will help Richard’s image and keep ticket prices soaring. Now – I’m not a big fan of fake relationships in books – but this one worked really well. Lainie’s sister died as a teenager from cancer and ever since, Lainie has been very involved in charitable work. She misses her sister dearly and this is one way to embrace her legacy. The producers offer Lainie quite a bit of money from upcoming ticket sales if she poses with Richard outside of work and goes to a few key events together. Lainie can’t believe she is actually going to agree to this. Richard barely acknowledges she exists behind the stage curtain. He is extremely rude – and having just gotten out of a bad relationship with another actor she works with, does she really want to pretend to get involved with another one? But the money sways her.
Richard wants to be president of a theater organization, and this will definitely help his image. Plus, he hates Will Farmer, the actor that he works with who just recently broke up with Lainie, and pretending to be Lainie’s boyfriend for a few weeks would definitely ruffle Will’s feathers.
Oh Richard is a bad, bad, boy. His surly attitude made me swoon. A quiet man – when his temper gets a hold of him, he not only lets words unleash, but they are cutting words. When he has to go out in public as Lainie’s date, he knows it’s for the best for his image, but he is none-to-pleased. What is fun though, is that Lainie doesn’t take his crap. When Richard needs to talk to someone he deems important:
“Eric Westfield. Current vice president of the Society,” Richard said close to her ear. He put his hand on her upper arm and gently moved her about six inches away from him. “Could you just…”
“I’m sorry,” Lainie said, “did you just move me?”
Richard thinks everyone is a moron and he hates other actors and the press and pretty much everyone in general. But then spending time with Lainie – he starts to enjoy her company. *gasp* He falls in love with her wild hair and her stubbornness and the fact she won’t let him get away with anything. But that doesn’t mean he still can’t throw in a quip when they are pretending to hug for the cameras.
A camera flash went off nearby and Lainie spotted a photographer turning in their direction.
With a sigh that almost parted her hair, Richard lifted his arm and slid it around her waist. Pulling her against him, he smiled down at her and the creases reappeared around his sardonic blue eyes. His warm breath gently fanned her ear when he ducked his head and whispered, “You’re habitually overplaying the death scene.”
But then he does super sweet things – like when they have to go on television for a live interview, Lainie gets extremely nervous:
She was physically trembling, literally vibrating with tension. This never happened onstage.
The surprise she’d felt at his earlier, almost friendly remark was nothing to her astonishment when he casually reached out and took her hand in his. His finger felt strong and rough as he linked them through hers, pulling her wrist over to rest against his thigh.
Oh Richard.
Or when he realizes he is starting to fall in love with her:
It was more than that. He was…God, he was bonding with her.
Feelings – warm, strong, nauseating feelings – were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.
Her obvious pain had reached out and grabbed him around the throat. He’d wanted her in his arms. Would have settled for holding her hand. Then she’d kissed him – on the cheek, for God’s sake – and just about shocked his brain out of his skull. If he actually got her into bed, he might not survive the night.
Enemies to friends to lovers – with a slow, sensual build of romance, quick and witty banter. Such a treat to read. I think this is a debut author and I’m excited to see what she gives us next
Grade: A
September 17, 2024
2024 re-read
Yup, still a favorite.
2016 review
I LOVED this story so much!
I am so happy that I saw this book being discussed on Goodreads, because if not, I probably would never have read it. Also it helped that a couple of my bookish friends gave it high ratings :)
But what won me over (big time) was the Pride and Prejudice comparison : you see, Richard Troyaka, Mr. Darcy is such a sociable person when compared to me, really has a bit of a Darcy in him.
And who doesn't love a grouchy character falling helplessly in love?
From indifference to friendship, to head over heels love, these two were just the perfect couple to read about.
The writing was fluent and engaging, and the characters so well written, that immediately after I finished this, I went in search of more works from this author...
This is the author's first book...
-_-
So, Richard, who is a great actor has been having a little bit of a difficulty handling... the more social aspects of life: basically he has no patience for fools, and as a consequence his reputation is becoming a little damaged.
The play's director and the big shots who run the Theatre in which he is currently performing, are less than happy with this sudden development so they decide to try to give his reputation a face lift...
Richard is not happy about it.
Enter Lainie Graham: Lainie is one of Richard's co-stars, not that you would know it from the way he basically ignores her existence.
As for her, she thinks he's a self absorbing prick.
Lainie has just come out of a bad relationship, and she isn't exactly a doormat, but a combination of various elements, leads her to accept entering a fake relationship with Richard...
And the fun begins ;)
Honestly you guys, go read this: the dialogues are witty and intelligent, and the way their relationship grows is just swoon worthy.
The last pages are a little over the top (it may involve some eye rolling), but by then, you'll be totally hooked.
Definitely recommended.
And yes, I most definitely want to buy it in paperback: because it is that good.
Author's Official Site
Yup, still a favorite.
2016 review
I LOVED this story so much!
I am so happy that I saw this book being discussed on Goodreads, because if not, I probably would never have read it. Also it helped that a couple of my bookish friends gave it high ratings :)
But what won me over (big time) was the Pride and Prejudice comparison : you see, Richard Troy
And who doesn't love a grouchy character falling helplessly in love?
From indifference to friendship, to head over heels love, these two were just the perfect couple to read about.
The writing was fluent and engaging, and the characters so well written, that immediately after I finished this, I went in search of more works from this author...
This is the author's first book...
-_-
So, Richard, who is a great actor has been having a little bit of a difficulty handling... the more social aspects of life: basically he has no patience for fools, and as a consequence his reputation is becoming a little damaged.
The play's director and the big shots who run the Theatre in which he is currently performing, are less than happy with this sudden development so they decide to try to give his reputation a face lift...
Richard is not happy about it.Enter Lainie Graham: Lainie is one of Richard's co-stars, not that you would know it from the way he basically ignores her existence.
As for her, she thinks he's a self absorbing prick.
Lainie has just come out of a bad relationship, and she isn't exactly a doormat, but a combination of various elements, leads her to accept entering a fake relationship with Richard...
And the fun begins ;)
Honestly you guys, go read this: the dialogues are witty and intelligent, and the way their relationship grows is just swoon worthy.
The last pages are a little over the top (it may involve some eye rolling), but by then, you'll be totally hooked.
Definitely recommended.
And yes, I most definitely want to buy it in paperback: because it is that good.
Author's Official Site
June 12, 2024
Reading this because of @Drache.... (Angelika)
3.5~
This started off really strong, and fell a little half way through but I still enjoyed it. The mmc is super dry and has a sarcastic sense of humor. He has been through a lot and he is trying his best. Our fmc is upbeat and is 'asked nicely' to help with his image.
I liked their interactions and how they complemented each other.
I'm interested in Lucy's other works now, it was very well written.
- Mention of suicide
- Death of a parent - not on page, happened in the past
- Death of a sibling - not on page, happened in the past
- Attempted sexual assault
3.5~
This started off really strong, and fell a little half way through but I still enjoyed it. The mmc is super dry and has a sarcastic sense of humor. He has been through a lot and he is trying his best. Our fmc is upbeat and is 'asked nicely' to help with his image.
I liked their interactions and how they complemented each other.
I'm interested in Lucy's other works now, it was very well written.
- Mention of suicide
- Death of a parent - not on page, happened in the past
- Death of a sibling - not on page, happened in the past
- Attempted sexual assault
August 13, 2020
3.5 STARS
July 11, 2024
Review from 2016
B+ for narration; A- for content - 4.5 stars.
Lucy Parker’s début romance, Act Like It has been on my radar since one of my fellow reviewers at All About Romance rated it very highly at the end of last year. As often happens, I never find the time to squeeze in all the books I want to read alongside the ones on my review TBR, so I pounce on them when and if they come out in audio format instead. Set among the world of West End Theatre, Act Like It is a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good Rom Com which revolves around the fake relationship engineered between a bad-boy actor and his likeable, popular co-star. It’s well put-together, there’s plenty of wry humour and digs at celebrity culture; and although the author isn’t British (she’s a New Zealander) her English is idiomatic so that the whole feel of the story – language, tone and rhythm – is naturally British and not located three thousand miles West of Galway Bay.
Byronically handsome star of the West End stage Richard Troy has recently been living up to his bad-boy image rather too much for the liking of his agent, his publicist and the manager of the theatre where he’s currently performing. Never one to suffer fools gladly, the gossip columns gleefully report that his latest tantrum involved a shouting match with a notable chef and a full-scale offensive on the tableware at a posh London restaurant – and there comes a point at which the public’s good will towards the antics of a likeable jack-the-lad turns into dislike. And Richard has passed it. Although he is undoubtedly a hugely talented actor, his reputation is causing a drop in bums-on-seats, so it’s time for a concerted PR campaign to try to restore some of the good faith his recent behaviour has lost.
To do this, his agent and the theatre management come up with a plan straight out of the 1940s movie industry. Elaine – Lainie – Graham is a rising star and currently playing a lead role in the play in which Richard is cast as the villain. She’s got a bubbly personality and is well liked by fans and the media… what could be better for Richard’s image than to be seen ‘stepping out’ with a reigning sweetheart of the London stage?
Lainie is utterly opposed to the idea. Not only is she sure Richard doesn’t even know her name, she has recently ended a relationship with another member of the company, Will Farmer, and doesn’t want to seem as though she’s bed-hopping amongst her cast mates. Not that “Richard” and “bed” are ever going to be parts of the same train of thought in her mind. Nope. Not. Ever. Richard is similarly unimpressed by the idea, but, reminded that his aspirations to the Chair of the Royal Society of the Performing Arts are likely to be affected if his name keeps generating negative publicity, and with promises to Lainie of a large donation to her favourite charity, they agree to the scheme. For a month, they’ll make a show of being an item. Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
The fake-relationship trope is one I generally like, although it’s sometimes difficult to buy into as there aren’t that many situations which call for it. Not so here though, as the idea of a PR-engineered romance in order to sustain or improve public image is 100% easy to believe. And Lucy Parker doesn’t fall into the trap of having our two antagonists immediately take advantage of the necessary physical closesness to cop a feel or act out on long suppressed fantasies of each other; no, their initial ‘dates’ are awkwardly hilarious as they try to look like a loving couple for the paparazzi while simultaneously snarking at and insulting each other. Lainie is a sympathetic character right from the start and I love that she is so ‘normal’. She gets the tube to work, she feeds her landlady’s cat and she’s got a large, loving family who obviously care about her a very great deal. She’s witty and sarcastic and one of the few people who isn’t intimidated by Richard’s lofty persona and ability to deliver a well-aimed set-down at fifty paces.
I also appreciated that the author doesn’t use Richard’s difficult background – the only child of extremely wealthy parents who had little time for him – to excuse his arsehole-dom. Because there’s no doubt he can be a complete dickhead; he thinks most people are idiots and has a very quick temper. But he’s also funny and sexy and oddly endearing; and as more is revealed about his recent past and his motivations, he becomes easier to like and understand.
The romance develops at a good pace, allowing time for Richard and Lainie to get to know each other a little and I liked the way that Lainie’s growing awareness of Richard as a person rather than an image matches her growing awareness of her attraction to him and his effect on her. We spend most of the time in Lainie’s head, with only a few parts of the story being told from Richard’s PoV, but Ms Parker does such a great job with showing (and not telling) him falling in love that it works, even without the insight into his thought processes.
Billie Fulford-Brown is a narrator whose name I’ve seen around but haven’t listened to before, so I’ll admit to the usual trepidation before listening to a new-to-me narrator for the first time. Fortunately, she’s a very good fit for this particular story; her voice is appropriately youthful and she excels at bringing out the humour and in her delivery of Lainie’s brand of quick-fire wit. Her pacing is good in both narrative and dialogue, and she differentiates effectively between all the characters, mostly by use of a variety of timbre and accent. Her portrayal of Richard fits with the description of his having a plummy, upper-class accent, but the drop in pitch she attempts sounds a bit strained and is sometimes in danger of being monotonous (as in – speaking in a monotone and lacking expression). As with the plummy accent, I can put a lot of that down to Richard’s personality; he plays his cards close to his chest and is wary of letting anyone in, so a tendency to be guarded in his speech is matched by the delivery to an extent. Therefore, while I’m not wild about Ms. Fulford-Brown’s interpretation of him, it does work within the context of the character, and as the audiobook progressed, I found it growing on me.
Act Like It is so strongly written, it’s hard to believe it’s a début novel. The author’s style is extremely engaging, it makes great use of the “fauxmance” trope and it’s guaranteed to raise a smile. Grab yourself a copy – I promise you won’t regret it.
B+ for narration; A- for content - 4.5 stars.
Lucy Parker’s début romance, Act Like It has been on my radar since one of my fellow reviewers at All About Romance rated it very highly at the end of last year. As often happens, I never find the time to squeeze in all the books I want to read alongside the ones on my review TBR, so I pounce on them when and if they come out in audio format instead. Set among the world of West End Theatre, Act Like It is a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good Rom Com which revolves around the fake relationship engineered between a bad-boy actor and his likeable, popular co-star. It’s well put-together, there’s plenty of wry humour and digs at celebrity culture; and although the author isn’t British (she’s a New Zealander) her English is idiomatic so that the whole feel of the story – language, tone and rhythm – is naturally British and not located three thousand miles West of Galway Bay.
Byronically handsome star of the West End stage Richard Troy has recently been living up to his bad-boy image rather too much for the liking of his agent, his publicist and the manager of the theatre where he’s currently performing. Never one to suffer fools gladly, the gossip columns gleefully report that his latest tantrum involved a shouting match with a notable chef and a full-scale offensive on the tableware at a posh London restaurant – and there comes a point at which the public’s good will towards the antics of a likeable jack-the-lad turns into dislike. And Richard has passed it. Although he is undoubtedly a hugely talented actor, his reputation is causing a drop in bums-on-seats, so it’s time for a concerted PR campaign to try to restore some of the good faith his recent behaviour has lost.
To do this, his agent and the theatre management come up with a plan straight out of the 1940s movie industry. Elaine – Lainie – Graham is a rising star and currently playing a lead role in the play in which Richard is cast as the villain. She’s got a bubbly personality and is well liked by fans and the media… what could be better for Richard’s image than to be seen ‘stepping out’ with a reigning sweetheart of the London stage?
Lainie is utterly opposed to the idea. Not only is she sure Richard doesn’t even know her name, she has recently ended a relationship with another member of the company, Will Farmer, and doesn’t want to seem as though she’s bed-hopping amongst her cast mates. Not that “Richard” and “bed” are ever going to be parts of the same train of thought in her mind. Nope. Not. Ever. Richard is similarly unimpressed by the idea, but, reminded that his aspirations to the Chair of the Royal Society of the Performing Arts are likely to be affected if his name keeps generating negative publicity, and with promises to Lainie of a large donation to her favourite charity, they agree to the scheme. For a month, they’ll make a show of being an item. Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
The fake-relationship trope is one I generally like, although it’s sometimes difficult to buy into as there aren’t that many situations which call for it. Not so here though, as the idea of a PR-engineered romance in order to sustain or improve public image is 100% easy to believe. And Lucy Parker doesn’t fall into the trap of having our two antagonists immediately take advantage of the necessary physical closesness to cop a feel or act out on long suppressed fantasies of each other; no, their initial ‘dates’ are awkwardly hilarious as they try to look like a loving couple for the paparazzi while simultaneously snarking at and insulting each other. Lainie is a sympathetic character right from the start and I love that she is so ‘normal’. She gets the tube to work, she feeds her landlady’s cat and she’s got a large, loving family who obviously care about her a very great deal. She’s witty and sarcastic and one of the few people who isn’t intimidated by Richard’s lofty persona and ability to deliver a well-aimed set-down at fifty paces.
I also appreciated that the author doesn’t use Richard’s difficult background – the only child of extremely wealthy parents who had little time for him – to excuse his arsehole-dom. Because there’s no doubt he can be a complete dickhead; he thinks most people are idiots and has a very quick temper. But he’s also funny and sexy and oddly endearing; and as more is revealed about his recent past and his motivations, he becomes easier to like and understand.
The romance develops at a good pace, allowing time for Richard and Lainie to get to know each other a little and I liked the way that Lainie’s growing awareness of Richard as a person rather than an image matches her growing awareness of her attraction to him and his effect on her. We spend most of the time in Lainie’s head, with only a few parts of the story being told from Richard’s PoV, but Ms Parker does such a great job with showing (and not telling) him falling in love that it works, even without the insight into his thought processes.
Billie Fulford-Brown is a narrator whose name I’ve seen around but haven’t listened to before, so I’ll admit to the usual trepidation before listening to a new-to-me narrator for the first time. Fortunately, she’s a very good fit for this particular story; her voice is appropriately youthful and she excels at bringing out the humour and in her delivery of Lainie’s brand of quick-fire wit. Her pacing is good in both narrative and dialogue, and she differentiates effectively between all the characters, mostly by use of a variety of timbre and accent. Her portrayal of Richard fits with the description of his having a plummy, upper-class accent, but the drop in pitch she attempts sounds a bit strained and is sometimes in danger of being monotonous (as in – speaking in a monotone and lacking expression). As with the plummy accent, I can put a lot of that down to Richard’s personality; he plays his cards close to his chest and is wary of letting anyone in, so a tendency to be guarded in his speech is matched by the delivery to an extent. Therefore, while I’m not wild about Ms. Fulford-Brown’s interpretation of him, it does work within the context of the character, and as the audiobook progressed, I found it growing on me.
Act Like It is so strongly written, it’s hard to believe it’s a début novel. The author’s style is extremely engaging, it makes great use of the “fauxmance” trope and it’s guaranteed to raise a smile. Grab yourself a copy – I promise you won’t regret it.
March 19, 2018
This is a very funny story and I love it!
It should be an easy 5 stars read until, well the last two chapters before the epilogue.
I won't give you any spoilers but involved the heroine's sad excuse for an ex, I prefer she hammer his head than let him got away like that after the horrid thing he did!!
Anyway it was a very entertaining story and the wicked dialogues will give you plenty Lol moments:)
Oh this is a romantic comedy book and rather slow burn romance, so no, not erotica romance and I will pick this book anytime against those tons erotica novella currently available out there!
Aaaaand yes! I found a new fav author:)
Richard Troy
Elaine Graham
The place where the story happened...
It should be an easy 5 stars read until, well the last two chapters before the epilogue.
I won't give you any spoilers but involved the heroine's sad excuse for an ex, I prefer she hammer his head than let him got away like that after the horrid thing he did!!
Anyway it was a very entertaining story and the wicked dialogues will give you plenty Lol moments:)
Oh this is a romantic comedy book and rather slow burn romance, so no, not erotica romance and I will pick this book anytime against those tons erotica novella currently available out there!
Aaaaand yes! I found a new fav author:)
Richard Troy
Elaine Graham
The place where the story happened...
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