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jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I was so excited to read this story after seeing the cover and reading the blurb but, I’ll be honest, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. Not that I didn’t enjoy the book but it wasn’t the fun, lighthearted read that I expected. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t angsty, emotional or tragic but it didn’t exactly feel like the romance I was anticipating.
There was a lot of focus on the play, the cast and the shared, and very complicated history between the heroine and hero’s families. While all of it was interesting, I was just wishing there had been more focus on the romance between Griff and Freddy. I really enjoyed their opposites attract, rivals to lovers romance. They had great chemistry and banter and I just wanted more.
I was sucked in to the storyline of the secondary characters enough that I will definitely be reading more from this series. There will me more, right?
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher for voluntary review
There was a lot of focus on the play, the cast and the shared, and very complicated history between the heroine and hero’s families. While all of it was interesting, I was just wishing there had been more focus on the romance between Griff and Freddy. I really enjoyed their opposites attract, rivals to lovers romance. They had great chemistry and banter and I just wanted more.
I was sucked in to the storyline of the secondary characters enough that I will definitely be reading more from this series. There will me more, right?
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher for voluntary review
ash_chooses_pikachu's review against another edition
3.0
I was gonna rate this 4 stars, but I didn't really like that there were too many villains in the story, in my opinion. It was getting tedious as the story focused more on all these random, cartoon-ish villains rather than on the main protagonists. What I reeeeeeally loved was how cuddly and sweet the couple was. It was adorable.
bandherbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I adored watching this gruff, grumpy, and haughty-nosed theater critic turn into a squishy mess for the bubbly and engaging stage actress! Watching an icy hero melt for a heroine is one of my favorite things!
The many allusions to Austen’s work and the sheer elan takes with using theater as another character in her story is a joy to read!
Also, I'm going to use this book as a "bridge to romance" for some of my friends and library patrons who are mystery fans. There is just enough suspense to make them happy, while also introducing them to the romance genre! While the sex scenes are definitely on page, I feel they are super joyful and I wouldn't think too hard about "who" I recommend this too.
There is a fabulous moment where the heroine tells the hero she cannot enjoy penetrative sex during a certain time of the month, and the way he reacts is A+ consent at its very best!
While this is book 4 in a series, I’ve *gasp* not read the others, and this one completely stands alone. I’m definitely going to be picking up the others though!
I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review! Thank you!
The many allusions to Austen’s work and the sheer elan takes with using theater as another character in her story is a joy to read!
Also, I'm going to use this book as a "bridge to romance" for some of my friends and library patrons who are mystery fans. There is just enough suspense to make them happy, while also introducing them to the romance genre! While the sex scenes are definitely on page, I feel they are super joyful and I wouldn't think too hard about "who" I recommend this too.
There is a fabulous moment where the heroine tells the hero she cannot enjoy penetrative sex during a certain time of the month, and the way he reacts is A+ consent at its very best!
While this is book 4 in a series, I’ve *gasp* not read the others, and this one completely stands alone. I’m definitely going to be picking up the others though!
I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review! Thank you!
sarahcophagus's review against another edition
4.0
This was pretty cute for a book where all the trouble was external conflict. I’m glad that the misunderstanding towards the end didn’t result in a big blowup. Especially considering that the only reason for the misunderstanding between the lovers was that the MMC was briefly “hiding the truth about her father” from the FMC. Which was really silly because she had all the pieces to figure out the truth for herself (that her father must have known about grandma’s deception), but it just didn’t occur to her until later. I also never really like it when the story for the next book is set up in a previous book, but I found Sabrina’s side plot in this actually really well done and I’m SO excited for her book next!
themaritimereader14's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, I love this series. It is set in such a different world than most contemporary romance novels and it is SO fun to be continually learning more about the London theater scene. Of course, the Austen themes in this one were especially appealing to me. I will absolutely write whatever Lucy Parker writes in the future because her books are so well done!! I think there are plans for a 5th in this series (can't wait).
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this 4th book in the London Celebrities series which is out now!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this 4th book in the London Celebrities series which is out now!!
pickypricklypessimest's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Realistic sex scenes! A first!
falulatonks's review against another edition
5.0
I ADORED THIS BOOK. I'd meant to take my time with this but I could not. But that means I can get a reread in soon.
Now that that's out of the way, three specific things:
1. Both Freddy and Griff in this are so out-of-the-gate whole in a way that's a little surprising when you read the blurb. I love that they both get to have stories that make you feel a lot for them, but that they're also full of rough edges that don't just disappear once you get into the thick of the love story. I also just love, love, loved them. Griff could be such a tough character to sell, but true to Parker, I just ended up liking him so much even as he maintained his sturdy coolness and garbage manners. Freddy had a lot less work to do to work into me, but I was rooting for her all the way nonetheless and wanted her to be happy! And to kill a couple of bitches on her behalf.
2. The thing I was wariest of as I got deeper into this was that it felt a little plottier than the other books in the series - in that there was a little more to unknot and set to rights - but the book doesn't get weighed down by that at all. I thought the mini-plotty-reveal was set up with like, the perfect light touch - there but not hitting you on the head with it - and I really dug that it didn't overwhelm the story or ever feel like it was taking a bigger part in the book than the romance was. Which is always, always my concern with romance novels that move into story. This was interesting but also perfectly sped, perfectly suited, imo.
3. This is the most important thing - I mentioned this on Twitter, but the way Lucy Parker writes connection is such a fucking delight and so good to sink into. I've always thought the dialogue in this series is so sharp and bright without feeling manufactured, which is a feat in itself; but I think what pushes it into extra special is that conversations, especially between the leads, feel like people talking and engaging with each other, instead of tossing good lines out - they listen, they react. They laugh at each other so much! Which is also so key!!
And the way Parker captures chemistry - the looks, the touching, the kissing - that's GOOD SHIT. Like, a hand grazing a thigh, touching a curl of hair, the way someone's smile can strike you dumb. When Freddy sees Griff smile with the corner of his mouth, or when they see each other across a room or bridge and stop in their tracks - I get the wind knocked out of me a little bit. You buy the attraction from the beginning - and I love very much that she lets them feel it, and in this case especially, lets them be upfront with it because it feels undeniable.
Anyway. Honestly, and this sounds dramatic, but Parker is maybe currently my favourite romance writer. I haven't feel as affected (giddiness or 'I need to turn the page to find out more' in worried anticipation) reading a romance novel since Pretty Face.
Now that that's out of the way, three specific things:
1. Both Freddy and Griff in this are so out-of-the-gate whole in a way that's a little surprising when you read the blurb. I love that they both get to have stories that make you feel a lot for them, but that they're also full of rough edges that don't just disappear once you get into the thick of the love story. I also just love, love, loved them. Griff could be such a tough character to sell, but true to Parker, I just ended up liking him so much even as he maintained his sturdy coolness and garbage manners. Freddy had a lot less work to do to work into me, but I was rooting for her all the way nonetheless and wanted her to be happy! And to kill a couple of bitches on her behalf.
2. The thing I was wariest of as I got deeper into this was that it felt a little plottier than the other books in the series - in that there was a little more to unknot and set to rights - but the book doesn't get weighed down by that at all. I thought the mini-plotty-reveal was set up with like, the perfect light touch - there but not hitting you on the head with it - and I really dug that it didn't overwhelm the story or ever feel like it was taking a bigger part in the book than the romance was. Which is always, always my concern with romance novels that move into story. This was interesting but also perfectly sped, perfectly suited, imo.
3. This is the most important thing - I mentioned this on Twitter, but the way Lucy Parker writes connection is such a fucking delight and so good to sink into. I've always thought the dialogue in this series is so sharp and bright without feeling manufactured, which is a feat in itself; but I think what pushes it into extra special is that conversations, especially between the leads, feel like people talking and engaging with each other, instead of tossing good lines out - they listen, they react. They laugh at each other so much! Which is also so key!!
And the way Parker captures chemistry - the looks, the touching, the kissing - that's GOOD SHIT. Like, a hand grazing a thigh, touching a curl of hair, the way someone's smile can strike you dumb. When Freddy sees Griff smile with the corner of his mouth, or when they see each other across a room or bridge and stop in their tracks - I get the wind knocked out of me a little bit. You buy the attraction from the beginning - and I love very much that she lets them feel it, and in this case especially, lets them be upfront with it because it feels undeniable.
Anyway. Honestly, and this sounds dramatic, but Parker is maybe currently my favourite romance writer. I haven't feel as affected (giddiness or 'I need to turn the page to find out more' in worried anticipation) reading a romance novel since Pretty Face.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
4.0
Slytherin/Hufflepuff romance.
I adore a well done grumpy hero. Not an asshole but a bit of a jackass. J. Ford Griffin, his name even sounds pretentious. He has a lot of things on his shoulders. His ancestral home is crumbling, his family name is synonymous with scandal, his brother seems a bit flighty, and his parents are firmly ensconced in whatever fanciful invention they are working on. He has made a name as a critic and he pulls no punches.
Freddy is living the life her father wanted. She loves acting but would prefer to be in musicals and comedies not sweeping dramas. She does not want to be a disappointment because her father saved her life when she was a child, ending his career.
I loved the way these two circle one another. They are so interesting. I love that Freddy calls him a Slytherin and implies that makes him deficient in some way. She is so effervescent and he has to learn that it doesn't make her another person who needs a minder.
The mystery was a fun aside and I loved the discovery of his aunt and her story. This author has a real skill about creating fascinating characters who are grown and experience real complications.
I adore a well done grumpy hero. Not an asshole but a bit of a jackass. J. Ford Griffin, his name even sounds pretentious. He has a lot of things on his shoulders. His ancestral home is crumbling, his family name is synonymous with scandal, his brother seems a bit flighty, and his parents are firmly ensconced in whatever fanciful invention they are working on. He has made a name as a critic and he pulls no punches.
Freddy is living the life her father wanted. She loves acting but would prefer to be in musicals and comedies not sweeping dramas. She does not want to be a disappointment because her father saved her life when she was a child, ending his career.
I loved the way these two circle one another. They are so interesting. I love that Freddy calls him a Slytherin and implies that makes him deficient in some way. She is so effervescent and he has to learn that it doesn't make her another person who needs a minder.
The mystery was a fun aside and I loved the discovery of his aunt and her story. This author has a real skill about creating fascinating characters who are grown and experience real complications.
lizleiby's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. Spent most of this book rolling my eyes. The writing was... not my favorite.