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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Based on the title, I expected some sort of Jane Austen retelling out of The Austen Playbook, and I'll tell you right now not to expect that. There are some Austen references, largely in the form of the titular murder mystery play featuring all the main Austen characters, but The Austen Playbook doesn't borrow the romance elements from any of Austen's works. This could have been disappointing, but it was so good I didn't mind a bit.
So far, all the romances have been very much hate to love, and there's a slight element of that here, but not really. See, Griff is a theatre reviewer, and he's harshly critical, so Freddy's not a fan, but she doesn't have the personality for flat-out hatred, except for Sophie Foster and her sister's on-again/off-again boyfriend. From the beginning, Freddy's nice to Griff, understanding that he's doing his job and that, while his comments might be tactless, they're never off-base. Their initial interactions run more to wryly tense and uncomfortable than hate.
While I like their romance, and the fact that he basically looks like hot, grown-up Draco Malfoy, it's mildly instalovey. I say mildly because their connection is believable and sweet, but it does feel like it all happens rather too fast. As a result, I like them a lot as a ship, but wasn't having the frantic shippy flails of Act Like It or Pretty Face. As ever, there's a realism to the romance, and the way that the ship talks out conflict relatively reasonably and apologizes when they're less reasonable.
The main plot consists of Griff and Freddy researching their respective grandparents to uncover any missing facts about what happened during the creation of Freddy's grandmother's most famous play. The resolution was thoroughly unsurprising but well done for all that. The book was no less exciting for the fact that I saw everything coming. Given that romance readers like myself expects a certain amount of positive predictability in their reads, I don't think this aspect will be a drawback for anyone, as it unfolds in a really satisfying way.
Mostly, researching their ancestors is a way for Freddy and Griff to both get close and improve their own familial relationships. It's nice that both Freddy and Griff have family issues, and they're able to counsel one another on them. Of course, believably, neither is initially thrilled by the outside commentary, but with reflection they realize the truth of it, and with support they're able to take the steps they need to in order to improve their lives. Though I dislike him, Freddy's relationship with her father comes to a reasonable place, and Griff's relationship with his brother is adorable. I sincerely hope Charlie and Maya get a shot, because they had such Jane and Bingley vibes for a moment there. He's not in the theatre though, so I'm crossing my fingers.
I'm thrilled to see the next book, Headliners features Sabrina (Freddy's sister) and Nick, a rival newscaster. Their chemistry was excellent and ship-inducing in the background of this book, and I'm ready for the next book, which I thankfully am actually reading next.
The Austen Playbook is yet another amazing installment in the London Celebrities series. Parker has a deft hand with characters, not just with regards to the main romance but throughout the cast, that makes the books a multi-tiered delight.
So far, all the romances have been very much hate to love, and there's a slight element of that here, but not really. See, Griff is a theatre reviewer, and he's harshly critical, so Freddy's not a fan, but she doesn't have the personality for flat-out hatred, except for Sophie Foster and her sister's on-again/off-again boyfriend. From the beginning, Freddy's nice to Griff, understanding that he's doing his job and that, while his comments might be tactless, they're never off-base. Their initial interactions run more to wryly tense and uncomfortable than hate.
While I like their romance, and the fact that he basically looks like hot, grown-up Draco Malfoy, it's mildly instalovey. I say mildly because their connection is believable and sweet, but it does feel like it all happens rather too fast. As a result, I like them a lot as a ship, but wasn't having the frantic shippy flails of Act Like It or Pretty Face. As ever, there's a realism to the romance, and the way that the ship talks out conflict relatively reasonably and apologizes when they're less reasonable.
The main plot consists of Griff and Freddy researching their respective grandparents to uncover any missing facts about what happened during the creation of Freddy's grandmother's most famous play. The resolution was thoroughly unsurprising but well done for all that. The book was no less exciting for the fact that I saw everything coming. Given that romance readers like myself expects a certain amount of positive predictability in their reads, I don't think this aspect will be a drawback for anyone, as it unfolds in a really satisfying way.
Mostly, researching their ancestors is a way for Freddy and Griff to both get close and improve their own familial relationships. It's nice that both Freddy and Griff have family issues, and they're able to counsel one another on them. Of course, believably, neither is initially thrilled by the outside commentary, but with reflection they realize the truth of it, and with support they're able to take the steps they need to in order to improve their lives. Though I dislike him, Freddy's relationship with her father comes to a reasonable place, and Griff's relationship with his brother is adorable. I sincerely hope Charlie and Maya get a shot, because they had such Jane and Bingley vibes for a moment there. He's not in the theatre though, so I'm crossing my fingers.
I'm thrilled to see the next book, Headliners features Sabrina (Freddy's sister) and Nick, a rival newscaster. Their chemistry was excellent and ship-inducing in the background of this book, and I'm ready for the next book, which I thankfully am actually reading next.
The Austen Playbook is yet another amazing installment in the London Celebrities series. Parker has a deft hand with characters, not just with regards to the main romance but throughout the cast, that makes the books a multi-tiered delight.
The outstanding banter and wordplay, intelligent leads, women’s friendships, actor’s egos, quirky side characters and feminism you expect from this author are there, along with smexy scenes including, yay, non penetrative m/f sex which practically never shows up in romance novels. Plus, it’s a fun historic house plus live TV show setting.
Yet I kind of felt like it was a heroine’s coming of age story, which interested me less. The couple, who are nicely set up for a hate-to-love story, fall for each other so quickly that at the 50% mark I was startled there was still so much book left. I enjoyed the rest, it was delightful. But I guess the whole initial falling in love went so quickly the author had to toss in a bunch of secondary plots to fill the book up. One of these was dull, one frustrating, one too sickly-sweet-sad for me, and the fourth seemed like an extended intro to the next book in the series. With all the banter, etc., these were still fun to read, but not exactly a five star book.
I was startled by the cover art because the lead man feels a ton older than that in the book. I don’t recall if his age is mentioned, but he feels like he’s late 30s minimum. Which feels a lot like a theme for this author. Older, far more assured men falling for quirky young women.
I really wish she would try writing something with more equal partners. Or hey, how about an old assured heroine?
In the end though, it’s a Lucy Parker. She’s heads and shoulders better than most romance writers. So any complaining is kind of silly.
Yet I kind of felt like it was a heroine’s coming of age story, which interested me less. The couple, who are nicely set up for a hate-to-love story, fall for each other so quickly that at the 50% mark I was startled there was still so much book left. I enjoyed the rest, it was delightful. But I guess the whole initial falling in love went so quickly the author had to toss in a bunch of secondary plots to fill the book up. One of these was dull, one frustrating, one too sickly-sweet-sad for me, and the fourth seemed like an extended intro to the next book in the series. With all the banter, etc., these were still fun to read, but not exactly a five star book.
I was startled by the cover art because the lead man feels a ton older than that in the book. I don’t recall if his age is mentioned, but he feels like he’s late 30s minimum. Which feels a lot like a theme for this author. Older, far more assured men falling for quirky young women.
I really wish she would try writing something with more equal partners. Or hey, how about an old assured heroine?
In the end though, it’s a Lucy Parker. She’s heads and shoulders better than most romance writers. So any complaining is kind of silly.
What's not to love? A great romance, a fun mystery, a take-no-prisoners heroine, and not one, but TWO old mansions. I don't reread much, but Lucy Parker goes on my TBrR shelf!
A charming and complicated story that has as much emphasis on family relationships as the central love story. Could it have been more sweepingly romantic? Yes, very much so. But it was still an excellent listen. I very much enjoy Lucy Parker's books and have already downloaded the next book in this series.
The fourth in the London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker is another winner for me. I love those really British romances. They have this no-nonsense, down-to-earth feeling to them. Plus I love the British-English. Kissing is snogging and such and I can see the whole story like a movie in my head!
Freddy is a young actress in the West End, struggling with her father's high demands for her career. Coming from a family of actors and having a grandmother who wrote an amazing play Freddy feels obligated to travel the road her father/manager stipulates, but her heart is not really into it. She then gets the opportunity to do a play that will be televised and where the outcome will be up to a voting audience, The Austen Playbook.
Griff also has his family troubles. He inherited the estate from his grandfather but keeping his parents and brother from overspending and trying to get enough funding for his documentary on Henrietta Carlton (Freddy's grandmother) sometimes gets too much. When his brother arranges for The Austen Playbook to be rehearsed and performed on the estate, at the old theatre their grandfather once build for Henrietta, he is not really happy.
As a harsh theatre critic he has offended many an actor, including Freddy. But when they meet at the estate and bump into each other at several occasions, something sparks between them.
Quote (Freddy to Griff) : 'The Sarcastic critic with his poison pen and scores of embittered enemies. If this was Midsomer Murders, you wouldn't even make it to the opening credits. If you hear the faint strains of ominous music, come find me. I'll protect you.'
Great book. I loved the whole scenery of the play at the estate, the interactions of the characters, the romance between Freddy and Griff. I could have done without the vile actress who seemed to blackmail everyone around her. The last chapters seemed to culminate in a bit too much drama. It could have been toned down a bit with the same result. But overall: I loved the book and will surely pick it up again for a re-read in the near future.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Freddy is a young actress in the West End, struggling with her father's high demands for her career. Coming from a family of actors and having a grandmother who wrote an amazing play Freddy feels obligated to travel the road her father/manager stipulates, but her heart is not really into it. She then gets the opportunity to do a play that will be televised and where the outcome will be up to a voting audience, The Austen Playbook.
Griff also has his family troubles. He inherited the estate from his grandfather but keeping his parents and brother from overspending and trying to get enough funding for his documentary on Henrietta Carlton (Freddy's grandmother) sometimes gets too much. When his brother arranges for The Austen Playbook to be rehearsed and performed on the estate, at the old theatre their grandfather once build for Henrietta, he is not really happy.
As a harsh theatre critic he has offended many an actor, including Freddy. But when they meet at the estate and bump into each other at several occasions, something sparks between them.
Quote (Freddy to Griff) : 'The Sarcastic critic with his poison pen and scores of embittered enemies. If this was Midsomer Murders, you wouldn't even make it to the opening credits. If you hear the faint strains of ominous music, come find me. I'll protect you.'
Great book. I loved the whole scenery of the play at the estate, the interactions of the characters, the romance between Freddy and Griff. I could have done without the vile actress who seemed to blackmail everyone around her. The last chapters seemed to culminate in a bit too much drama. It could have been toned down a bit with the same result. But overall: I loved the book and will surely pick it up again for a re-read in the near future.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ***
I don't have it in me to dislike anything about this book except that it tried to make me not hate Dylan, but even those were a couple of blink and you'll miss it moments.
I was initially hesitant to read this because of the previous heroines' thoughts on Freddy but screw all y'all, I love her and her joy-loving soul.
SECOND TIME AROUND
This book just makes me happy, okay?
I was initially hesitant to read this because of the previous heroines' thoughts on Freddy but screw all y'all, I love her and her joy-loving soul.
SECOND TIME AROUND
This book just makes me happy, okay?
Look, this book has a house party with a family secrets mystery and a romance between a Slytherin and a Hufflepuff. That should be enough to tell you if you’re interested, but if you want an actual review, well… This is the fourth in the London Celebrities series, but I think would work well as a standalone.
Freddy doesn’t deny that her acting career has ridden on the coattails of her grandmother, hailed as Britain’s greatest playwright. With a revival of her most famous play in the works, everyone, including Freddy’s agent father, expects her to land the leading role… except Freddy. Torn by her decision, she accepts an offer for an… interesting… TV production. Picture this: a bunch of actors and actresses are stuck together in a crumbling English mansion to film a live TV production. It’s based on a choose-your-own-adventure game that features all of Austen’s characters mashed together, which means that they’ll have to memorize large chunks of script that may never be used, depending on how the audience votes. Plus, it just so happens that the estate is the familial home of a certain grumpy art critic…
While the initial meeting between the romantic leads is usually called a “meet-cute”, in this case it was, as a friend termed it, a “meet-disaster.” After a disastrous performance of, quite frankly, an awful play, Freddy overhears Griff talking about it at a local bar, and his criticism of her – that she’d rather be splashing around in puddles in Singin’ in the Rain than vamping through a depressing “adult” play, strikes close to home. It’s delightfully reminiscent of my favorite Austen, Pride & Prejudice, though the end result is different. While P&P rides the enemies-to-lovers train, Freddy instead shakes off the criticism, going so far as to tweak his nose metaphorically with some of it. Freddy is such a positive and joyful person that she can’t be angry at Griff – she’s more thrown off by how insightful his criticism was – and instead Griff ends up completely flummoxed by her. I have a definite thing for grumpy heroes, and Griff ticks all those boxes. He can’t quite believe that Freddy is interested in him, and more than once thinks she’d be better suited for his flighty brother. He also mentally compares her to an annoying head cold, which had me absolutely dying.
Besides the romance, there’s a pretty fun family-secrets-mystery that Freddy and Griff dig into. It, naturally, leads to revelations about their own families. Freddy’s father who seems deadset on vicariously experiencing his theater dreams through her (and who she can’t say no to), and her sister, who keeps getting involved with a philandering actor. Griff, for his part, is trying to save his family estate, convinced that his flighty brother and head-in-the-clouds parents are acting against their best interests. So, in essences, Freddy needs to seize more control of her life – needs everyone to stop treating her like a child – while Griff needs to shed some of his control freak ways. The secondary characters are also amazing, and we get to see some familiar faces from earlier books in the series.
What makes reading this book (and her others) a complete joy is that Ms. Parker is incredibly witty. You can’t go more than two paragraphs without finding a fascinating turn of phrase or a humorous aside. There’s plenty of emotional depth, though, and the characters, even the secondary ones, are more than just cardboard cutouts. It’s been fun watching some of the background characters get more page time, and I finished the book with a good idea who the next couple is – and also desperately wanting that book now! While I’ve enjoyed this series immensely, I have to say that this book has definitely become my favorite!
Overall, this is ridiculously fun, witty romp, and I highly recommend it!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“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 doesn’t deny that her acting career has ridden on the coattails of her grandmother, hailed as Britain’s greatest playwright. With a revival of her most famous play in the works, everyone, including Freddy’s agent father, expects her to land the leading role… except Freddy. Torn by her decision, she accepts an offer for an… interesting… TV production. Picture this: a bunch of actors and actresses are stuck together in a crumbling English mansion to film a live TV production. It’s based on a choose-your-own-adventure game that features all of Austen’s characters mashed together, which means that they’ll have to memorize large chunks of script that may never be used, depending on how the audience votes. Plus, it just so happens that the estate is the familial home of a certain grumpy art critic…
“Do your thoughts always bounce around your brain like a pinball game?”
“I think of it more like ten-pin bowling. Pick up an idea, chuck it at the rest, and hope for the best.”
While the initial meeting between the romantic leads is usually called a “meet-cute”, in this case it was, as a friend termed it, a “meet-disaster.” After a disastrous performance of, quite frankly, an awful play, Freddy overhears Griff talking about it at a local bar, and his criticism of her – that she’d rather be splashing around in puddles in Singin’ in the Rain than vamping through a depressing “adult” play, strikes close to home. It’s delightfully reminiscent of my favorite Austen, Pride & Prejudice, though the end result is different. While P&P rides the enemies-to-lovers train, Freddy instead shakes off the criticism, going so far as to tweak his nose metaphorically with some of it. Freddy is such a positive and joyful person that she can’t be angry at Griff – she’s more thrown off by how insightful his criticism was – and instead Griff ends up completely flummoxed by her. I have a definite thing for grumpy heroes, and Griff ticks all those boxes. He can’t quite believe that Freddy is interested in him, and more than once thinks she’d be better suited for his flighty brother. He also mentally compares her to an annoying head cold, which had me absolutely dying.
“It’s so weird. I wouldn’t have picked it in a million years. She’s such a sunny wee rocket, and you’re such a bad-tempered bastard most of the time. I’d have thought you’d want to strangle her.”
He did. He also wanted his hands sliding along her skin, and her irrepressible smile against his cheek, and her insane hair on his pillow.”
Besides the romance, there’s a pretty fun family-secrets-mystery that Freddy and Griff dig into. It, naturally, leads to revelations about their own families. Freddy’s father who seems deadset on vicariously experiencing his theater dreams through her (and who she can’t say no to), and her sister, who keeps getting involved with a philandering actor. Griff, for his part, is trying to save his family estate, convinced that his flighty brother and head-in-the-clouds parents are acting against their best interests. So, in essences, Freddy needs to seize more control of her life – needs everyone to stop treating her like a child – while Griff needs to shed some of his control freak ways. The secondary characters are also amazing, and we get to see some familiar faces from earlier books in the series.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Charlie said, a note of amusement creeping in. “I thought you’d be buried in work, not snogging the houseguests.”
“Things often take surprising turns.” Freddy smiled at him. “I love life.”
What makes reading this book (and her others) a complete joy is that Ms. Parker is incredibly witty. You can’t go more than two paragraphs without finding a fascinating turn of phrase or a humorous aside. There’s plenty of emotional depth, though, and the characters, even the secondary ones, are more than just cardboard cutouts. It’s been fun watching some of the background characters get more page time, and I finished the book with a good idea who the next couple is – and also desperately wanting that book now! While I’ve enjoyed this series immensely, I have to say that this book has definitely become my favorite!
Overall, this is ridiculously fun, witty romp, and I highly recommend it!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was very very excited to read this, because it sounded so fun, and the first 2 London Celebrities books are 2 of my favourite romance books ever, but while I did enjoy it, it fell a bit flat. I loved both Freddie and Griff, the characters and setting and plot were all great, the play plotline was fun to see unwind, and the big complication that comes in at the end was, as I've always admired about Parker's books, a serious, non-contrived issue that was resolved reasonably and with maturity. I think the reason I just didn't enjoy this as much is because the attraction between the 2 characters was kinda always there from the beginning- Freddie began to fancy Griff almost immediately, and the reason I ADORED the first 2 LC books is because of how naturally and out of nowhere the relationship came from, all the way from indifference and slight antagonism to passionate sexy times.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The best of the London Celebrities series (so far!) and one of my favourite reads of 2019.
Grumpy hero and bubbly heroine, which doesn’t always work for me, but definitely did in this case. Also, an Austen-inspired play, a country house party, a literary mystery/scandal and family secrets. These other elements of the plot are perfectly balanced with the romance.
Lately, I’ve found myself skipping over the sappier bits of romance books, but I lingered over the romance here – re-reading and highlighting and swooning. Three scenes standout for me: their first kiss (so hot!), the first time Griff calls Freddy “darling” (so tender and sweet!) andthe proposal scene, which left me with a grin on my face and tears in my eyes.
I have a couple of very minor quibbles: I wasn’t a fan of the contrived Pride and Prejudice-inspired opening scene, and when the POV switched it sometimes took me a few paragraphs to figure out whose POV we were in. Apart from that I loved it and will definitely be recommended it as a good place to start with Lucy Parker.
Grumpy hero and bubbly heroine, which doesn’t always work for me, but definitely did in this case. Also, an Austen-inspired play, a country house party, a literary mystery/scandal and family secrets. These other elements of the plot are perfectly balanced with the romance.
Lately, I’ve found myself skipping over the sappier bits of romance books, but I lingered over the romance here – re-reading and highlighting and swooning. Three scenes standout for me: their first kiss (so hot!), the first time Griff calls Freddy “darling” (so tender and sweet!) and
I have a couple of very minor quibbles: I wasn’t a fan of the contrived Pride and Prejudice-inspired opening scene, and when the POV switched it sometimes took me a few paragraphs to figure out whose POV we were in. Apart from that I loved it and will definitely be recommended it as a good place to start with Lucy Parker.