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lizleiby's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. Spent most of this book rolling my eyes. The writing was... not my favorite.
brittfiocca's review against another edition
5.0
GUH. I really didn’t think I could top Richard from book 1 but GOOD LORD. Was soooo invested in this. There’s a fun premise, some actual P+P referencing, a meditation on reality tv, inventive love scenes, a mystery (!). It’s like a surprise grab bag of everything you never knew you wanted. And these two, wow. Something about Parker’s use of language is so appealing to me. It’s not typical and it’s not overwrought but somehow manages to make physical interaction and ephemeral chemistry so tangible on the page. also hilarious. I’m mildly obsessed? Send help.
notesonbookmarks's review
3.0
I blame Anne Bogel. (And Candice).
This was fun, but mostly I cared about the play and the sex and very little else.
This was fun, but mostly I cared about the play and the sex and very little else.
littlemisscass's review
5.0
“It was a truth universally acknowledged that an actor in a rut must be in want of a spot of murder, mayhem, and true love.”
Freddy Carlton, darling of the stage, is getting tired of serious dramatic work. Solution? Performing in a live-broadcast theatre production at the crumbling manor house coincidentally owned by the West End's wittiest and most scathing critic.
I absolutely loved The Austen Playbook. As with Lucy Parker’s other books, just a solidly well-written, fun read, with excellent characterisation, romantic development and plot. I didn’t take note of many things as I read because it was just so good - Freddy and Griff were such relatable characters and just lovely to get to know as a reader. The West End production plots are always fun and engaging, and the romance managed to perfectly toe the line between insta-lust and slow-burn love. I could not say anything negative about this book, even if I really really really tried: it is definitely a new favourite of mine.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Freddy Carlton, darling of the stage, is getting tired of serious dramatic work. Solution? Performing in a live-broadcast theatre production at the crumbling manor house coincidentally owned by the West End's wittiest and most scathing critic.
I absolutely loved The Austen Playbook. As with Lucy Parker’s other books, just a solidly well-written, fun read, with excellent characterisation, romantic development and plot. I didn’t take note of many things as I read because it was just so good - Freddy and Griff were such relatable characters and just lovely to get to know as a reader. The West End production plots are always fun and engaging, and the romance managed to perfectly toe the line between insta-lust and slow-burn love. I could not say anything negative about this book, even if I really really really tried: it is definitely a new favourite of mine.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
Addictive, escapist fun ideal for the reader with hearts in his/her eyes.
The hallmarks of Parker's series are on full display: theatre world, English setting, some degree of snappy dialogue, lighthearted banter, intense chemistry, and both pop culture and lit references. Then there's the couple: a hero who can be stiff/reserved/prideful and a heroine who is sassy/irrepressible/dreamgirl-like. [I'm holding out hope for one in which those roles are flipped]
The premise for this story is an interactive TV special in which characters from all Austen books are part of a house party that turns murderous, and audience voting determines story turns. So, P.D. James' Death Comes to Pemberley layered with elements of Bill Willingham's Fables series along with (depending on your age of reference) Choose Your Own Adventure or Bandersnatch twists. Not bad! There are additional facets, but this is the draw.
I won't be the first to say so, but the character of Sadie was gratingly one-dimensional in her myopic mean girl-ness. Griff's parents, too, were...problematic, but none of these complaints will spoil the fun and heart of the story. The relationship may not be as hard-won as others, but I appreciate that they mostly act like adults and don't allow secrets or misunderstandings to be stretched out interminably -- also, that they talk frankly about issues of intimacy is refreshing. These are elements not only that I personally appreciate, but also that often come up as I advise new readers, so I am pleased to discover that this series can keep its place among my contemporary romance go-tos, especially when a mix of humor and spice is sought.
The hallmarks of Parker's series are on full display: theatre world, English setting, some degree of snappy dialogue, lighthearted banter, intense chemistry, and both pop culture and lit references. Then there's the couple: a hero who can be stiff/reserved/prideful and a heroine who is sassy/irrepressible/dreamgirl-like. [I'm holding out hope for one in which those roles are flipped]
The premise for this story is an interactive TV special in which characters from all Austen books are part of a house party that turns murderous, and audience voting determines story turns. So, P.D. James' Death Comes to Pemberley layered with elements of Bill Willingham's Fables series along with (depending on your age of reference) Choose Your Own Adventure or Bandersnatch twists. Not bad! There are additional facets, but this is the draw.
I won't be the first to say so, but the character of Sadie was gratingly one-dimensional in her myopic mean girl-ness. Griff's parents, too, were...problematic, but none of these complaints will spoil the fun and heart of the story. The relationship may not be as hard-won as others, but I appreciate that they mostly act like adults and don't allow secrets or misunderstandings to be stretched out interminably -- also, that they talk frankly about issues of intimacy is refreshing. These are elements not only that I personally appreciate, but also that often come up as I advise new readers, so I am pleased to discover that this series can keep its place among my contemporary romance go-tos, especially when a mix of humor and spice is sought.
katekate_reads_'s review
5.0
The Austen Playbook is the 4th book in the London Celebrities series - and my favorite so far!! You don’t have to read the others to enjoy this one - you can jump in here but all are wonderful and worth the read!
Freddy is an actress - her true love is performing in lighter musicals/comedy but she’s felt a great deal of obligation to her father/manager to take on more serious roles lately. James Ford-Griffin (Griff) is a snarky theater critic who doesn’t hesitate to tell it how he sees it - and Freddy has found herself on the receiving end of some of his criticisms.
When Freddy has the opportunity to taken on the role of Lydia Bennett in The Austen Playbook - she jumps at the opportunity. It’s a one night production with various Jane Austen characters brought together at a country estate for a murder mystery. The production will be broadcast live and the TV viewing audience will get to vote at various points on what happens next in the production.
A choose-your-own-adventure Jane Austen murder mystery?? Count me in!! I would be watching and voting for sure!
However - from a cast perspective it’s definitely challenging because they all need to learn multiple versions of the show - and it will all happen live! Due to the intense rehearsal schedule, the cast is set up to stay at the country estate throughout the leadup to the production.
When they arrive for the start of rehearsals is the first time Freddy learns who owns the estate - it’s grouchy Griff. His family estate is in danger of going under and he grudgingly agrees to his brother’s plan to make some additional money.
There are a lot of interesting plot developments - but really where this book shines is in the interactions between Freddy and Griff. I am always here for a grouchy hero and witty banter - and both are played out so well here!
This was a 5 star read and I highly recommend to anyone who loves romance or romantic comedies!
Freddy is an actress - her true love is performing in lighter musicals/comedy but she’s felt a great deal of obligation to her father/manager to take on more serious roles lately. James Ford-Griffin (Griff) is a snarky theater critic who doesn’t hesitate to tell it how he sees it - and Freddy has found herself on the receiving end of some of his criticisms.
When Freddy has the opportunity to taken on the role of Lydia Bennett in The Austen Playbook - she jumps at the opportunity. It’s a one night production with various Jane Austen characters brought together at a country estate for a murder mystery. The production will be broadcast live and the TV viewing audience will get to vote at various points on what happens next in the production.
A choose-your-own-adventure Jane Austen murder mystery?? Count me in!! I would be watching and voting for sure!
However - from a cast perspective it’s definitely challenging because they all need to learn multiple versions of the show - and it will all happen live! Due to the intense rehearsal schedule, the cast is set up to stay at the country estate throughout the leadup to the production.
When they arrive for the start of rehearsals is the first time Freddy learns who owns the estate - it’s grouchy Griff. His family estate is in danger of going under and he grudgingly agrees to his brother’s plan to make some additional money.
There are a lot of interesting plot developments - but really where this book shines is in the interactions between Freddy and Griff. I am always here for a grouchy hero and witty banter - and both are played out so well here!
This was a 5 star read and I highly recommend to anyone who loves romance or romantic comedies!
diaryofthebookdragon's review
4.0
If you read a lot of contemporary romance novels, you know how it is easy for them to blend together. Lucy Parker's novels are a breath of fresh that warm you up inside.
+ Intriguing, complex characters.
+ Diverse occupations and vocations (in this series mostly theater-related)
She even made insta-love between adults feel possible.
Recommended. (Whole series)
+ Intriguing, complex characters.
+ Diverse occupations and vocations (in this series mostly theater-related)
She even made insta-love between adults feel possible.
Recommended. (Whole series)
bewyche's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
brittfiocca's review
5.0
GUH. I really didn’t think I could top Richard from book 1 but GOOD LORD. Was soooo invested in this. There’s a fun premise, some actual P+P referencing, a meditation on reality tv, inventive love scenes, a mystery (!). It’s like a surprise grab bag of everything you never knew you wanted. And these two, wow. Something about Parker’s use of language is so appealing to me. It’s not typical and it’s not overwrought but somehow manages to make physical interaction and ephemeral chemistry so tangible on the page. also hilarious. I’m mildly obsessed? Send help.