Yes And

by Paul Teresi

Chicago is home to some of the most brilliant improvisational theatres in the world. There’s one golden rule all performers Never say no. Always say Yes And…Lilly is a brilliant comedic actress. A rising star with nothing in her way. When the anxieties from personal tragedies cripple the actress’s grip with everyday life, she slips into a reclusive pattern that ultimately leaves her suffering from agoraphobia. Bordering on insanity, she now performs monologues every night in her apartment living room in front of an audience she painted on the wall. Her only hope to return to the life she once had is the hilariously reluctant, yet heartfelt friendship she begins with Lee, a washed-up writer who moves in next door.Desperate for a creative challenge, Lee requests to Lilly that he film a documentary on her journey back to live theatre. Lilly agrees with one condition ... don't fall in love. While Lee uses Lilly to showcase his own writing material, his self-serving habits evolve to push Lilly to rediscover her strengths and face her fears both on and off the stage. The more Lilly comes to life, the more Lee finds himself struggling with her one condition.Both their lives are changed forever in this incredible love story that journeys to the center of a performer's soul.

Genres: Fiction, Ebooks

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Paul Teresi attended Eastern Illinois University to pursue a degree in teaching history. He left to pursue a career in writing after creating an independently produced sold out show on his campus. Since then, he has written several stage productions at Chicago's famed Second City Training Center. While performing live shows was his favorite thrill, he has found a new niche in writing his stage stories longhand for publication.

As you can tell, he also has a hard time sticking to one genre, which is a blast for him. Hopefully, the readers too.

Reviews

[Paula E · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[summerbegonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now playing: ♫ Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd ♩♫

Like a screenplay come to life
So unlike anything else I've read. Every scene unfolded like it was part of a drama film. The highlight was definitely seeing the characters help each other grow, and I couldn't help but feel for Lilly.

Writing
The language was both creative and eloquent: there were a lot of theater-related imagery and metaphors, and I thought the author really owned his unique style for this story. The dialogues were very stylish as well, and at times I felt like they were telling me the takeaway lessons themselves (which wasn't a bad thing in this case, given the narration style).

Characters
Oh wow, the characterization gets an A+! Got to learn so much about the tortured souls that are Lee and Lilly. I can't believe it took Lee as long as he did to realize he loved Lilly; her awkward ways and openness were so charming. Full arc for both of them, and although I liked Lilly more as a person, I preferred Lee's massive character development. Also, Beth was super convincingly annoying; I was seriously peeved everytime she dared to open her mouth.

Plot
Was definitely on the cliche side, but as long as the character journeys are interesting, I'm not a stickler for plot. I did prefer reading the first half about Lilly overcoming her agoraphobia to the second half where Lee was explored in more depth—just thought the pacing was more enjoyable. The ending wrapped the story up nicely in typical drama film style.

Not a ♡𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮♡ kind of romance, but...
When Lilly and Lee finally had their "moment" it was just so... wow... Sweet and had just the right amount of buildup. I've never even completed a proper romance novel before, but that scene was IT. Perfect.

[W. Neilsen Neilsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and different in a good way

I stay away from "romance novels", and I'm happy to say this does not read like a cheesy romance novel, but more like a romantic comedy of higher levels. Although I have started before that I am not thrilled with language that comes from many adult novels, I ignored most of this because the story drew me in and intrigued me so much, and it wasn't a constant throughout the book. I can see where adults in these particular professions would be using colorful language.
This story of a writer who's helping an agoriphobic actress is very entertaining, a first class love story, and addresses disability, addiction, and depression head-on. I enjoyed it. Took the one star off for the filthy language and over-the-top sexual encounters.

[Marbea Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly beautifully tragicomic reading! I've never loved, loathed, and rooted for a frenemy to soul searching characters before. This is truly a full circle in depth well formatted work of art. A writer and an actress who both needed help saving themselves. The trials and tribulations suffering from mental illness is a horrific journey in itself, but to share it with a stranger and the world intimately is by far the most daunting. The main characters evolving rollercoaster relationship and friendship is the most difficult to read and admire. I'm sold on the technique of the storyline and the intricacies of the plot. The conclusion is revelatory!

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a romance there is very little in the way of spicy bedroom escapades. That part is left pretty much to the reader's imagination. But for a story that really pulls at your heart strings, this one is spot on! Character development is off the charts. While the story starts off reading almost like a documentary, it quickly picks up pace and in the end leaves you stunned. This author truly understands addiction, fear, and what motivates people. And best of all, he knows how to bring this knowledge out in a story.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lee and Lilly. A couple as opposite as you may imagine. Lilly who is Agoraphobic and is afraid to step outside. Lee, Lilly's neighbor, is very self centered and never thinks of how he affects those who encounter him. Lee agrees to help Lilly regain the life she had in exchange for her permission to make the process into a documentary.

Once I got into it, I found it hard to put the book down. I personally would never treat family, friends or enemies like these two treat each other

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every line was full of emotion

This is the most true love story I have read in a long time. Real life love that doesn't lead you to the typical happy ever after fantasy ending but an ending that is satisfying, soothing, and a feeling of being content. Realistic journey, with so many feelings and the things that hold us back from saying them.

[shauna petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic example of writing perfection!

Brought me to tears, what an amazing ride this book is! So sad to finish it. You will love and hate, right alongside the characters, but you'll wish you would never have to finish the last page. A story of friendship and love that we all wish to have at some point in our lives. And the lines!!!! Such great writing!!

[Kathryn Pharis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story!

To me it is the most wonderful love story I have ever read. I’m not much into reading the romance genre but this is a wonderful exception. I am excited about reading whatever Paul Teresi comes up with next. I intend to hold onto this book and read it again.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely story

Not what i expected, but oh so much better. Great characters, the story will stick with you long after the last page.

[Jackie Simons]

Read 9/24

[Awesterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected, but better!

I almost put this book away several times because I thought Lee was a jerk. I kept reading and so glad I did! I smiled, I cried, just read this book you won't be sorry!