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karenmathis's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
I've previously gone on record with how much I enjoy Lucy Parker's defining brand of banter, pop culture/geek cred, and London settings. When I realized this installment centered on an aerialist performer, I was a fraction less enthused, as I do love the dialogue of the theater productions, and spectacle is difficult to convey in prose. I needn't have worried.
Making Up has a great deal to offer, even apart from the London Celebrities series. 'Banter' doesn't truly capture the way the two protagonists interact -- instead think Benedick and Beatrice of Much Ado about Nothing throwing heated, clever, aim-for-the-jugular verbal daggers. Actually, that comparison is apt: two passionate people with a history begin at odds, circumstances conspire to throw them together, they give themselves over to the attraction, issues with others get in the way, and then...resolution. In fact, the resolution here is one of my favorite elements:
Fun still abounds, and casting dreamy Leo as a make-up artist, even more so one who aspires to work in special effects design for the movies, is inspired. The couple is interracial, though that aspect is blink-and-you'll-miss-it (I respect that it isn't made into an issue but wish it had been even lightly addressed). There's also great poignancy in the exploration of how a previously manipulative or deceitful relationship doesn't just make an individual wary of potential partners but, even more damaging, causes one to distrust her own judgment. That aspect is rarely addressed in fiction, which makes me truly cheer when it's depicted with real understanding.
Making Up has a great deal to offer, even apart from the London Celebrities series. 'Banter' doesn't truly capture the way the two protagonists interact -- instead think Benedick and Beatrice of Much Ado about Nothing throwing heated, clever, aim-for-the-jugular verbal daggers. Actually, that comparison is apt: two passionate people with a history begin at odds, circumstances conspire to throw them together, they give themselves over to the attraction, issues with others get in the way, and then...resolution. In fact, the resolution here is one of my favorite elements:
Spoiler
missteps and secrets aren't kicked aside with a grand romantic gesture but with (fanfare, please) a grown-up conversation! It's complicated and tentative but the partner is patient and open and determined. Now that's sexy.Fun still abounds, and casting dreamy Leo as a make-up artist, even more so one who aspires to work in special effects design for the movies, is inspired. The couple is interracial, though that aspect is blink-and-you'll-miss-it (I respect that it isn't made into an issue but wish it had been even lightly addressed). There's also great poignancy in the exploration of how a previously manipulative or deceitful relationship doesn't just make an individual wary of potential partners but, even more damaging, causes one to distrust her own judgment. That aspect is rarely addressed in fiction, which makes me truly cheer when it's depicted with real understanding.
brittfiocca's review against another edition
3.0
My least favorite of this series. I think it’s still so good and many will enjoy it but I just didn’t click like with the previous two. It’s not you it’s me!!!! Sorry, Trix and Leo, you are still adorable.
alyabbs's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
donttakemybooks's review against another edition
4.0
I like this series. Fun view into London theater life and a cute hate to love romance. These have made for perfect vacation reading two years in a row!
lassarina's review against another edition
5.0
This is a delightful continuation of the series, and a wonderful second-chance romance. The banter that marks the other two books is big, bold, and center stage. It takes us to yet another facet of London's performing scene, specifically aerial acrobatics and a burlesque show. Trix is fabulous for her temper and her spirit, even as she tries to rebuild herself from a devastating relationship that sounded far too familiar. Leo is charming and really exemplifies something that I love about Lucy Parker's writing, which is that her heroes acknowledge the ways that the social constructs of gender are pushing them to behave, try to act differently, and acknowledge when they fuck up. It's so good. I want to roll around in it and squeal. This book is just packed with tension, with scorching kisses, and with snarky banter all around, and the minute I finished it I wanted to re-read it.
I think we can all agree that Reggie the hedgehog is the real star of the story, though.
I think we can all agree that Reggie the hedgehog is the real star of the story, though.
danabaran06's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nlfrey's review against another edition
4.0
Third in the London Celebrities collection, and just as well written and enjoyable as the first two! The heroine of this book was one of the supporting characters in "Pretty Face," and I was glad she got her own book to flesh out her story and give her a happy ending.