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London Celebrities #3
Making Up
Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved… difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.
Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.
To Leo, something about Trix is… different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.
When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London — and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.
It seems hopeless.
Utterly impossible.
And yet…
Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.
To Leo, something about Trix is… different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.
When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London — and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.
It seems hopeless.
Utterly impossible.
And yet…
254 pages, ebook
First published May 28, 2018
About the author
Lucy Parker
14 books1,921 followersLucy Parker lives in New Zealand, where she feels lucky every day to look out at mountains, lakes, and vineyards. She has a degree in Art History, loves museums and art galleries, and doodles unrecognizable flowers when she has writer’s block.
When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.
Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.
When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.
Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.
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May 30, 2018
4.5 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Lucy Parker brings us back to the London Celebrities world with the third standalone, Making Up. This book is a sweet, smart, and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance guaranteed to make your heart flutter. The writing is perfection, the banter hilarious and riveting, and the story completely satisfying.
After the lead performer gets into an accident and the understudy ups and leaves, Beatrix Lane is thrust into the spotlight as the new lead in The Festival of Masks. With the new role comes more complicated moves she never did in her previous role, and Trix doesn't know if she can do it. It doesn't help that Leo Magasiva, childhood something-turned-enemy and the bane of her existence, is joining the production as the new makeup artist.
Leo Magasiva is trying to save what's left of his career, and if it means working with Trix and living with her, he'll do it. He needs to focus on the competition that might help him salvage his career, but with a sister who's too old to act like a brat and a pink-haired spitfire that's too tempting for her good, it wouldn't be easy.
I love Leo and Trix so much because of how they handled their relationship once they've reached the fork in the road, and even before that. I love the little things they do for each other—the non-sexual (and sexual) touches, the little things they do that show how much they get each other, the obvious affection and love.
As individual characters, they're both strong and lovable. Trix may have issues she needs to acknowledge, but she's a firecracker, a force to be reckoned with. She's creative, talented, and is passionate to the core. Her past relationship has turned her into a shell of who she was before, but the old Trix is still there, waiting to come back. It was a wonderful experience to watch her find her way again and bring back that spark her ex-boyfriend took from her.
And Leo, oh Leo. How I love you so. Like Trix, he's just as talented and passionate about his craft. He may show some snark when he and Trix are butting heads, but this man is kind, caring, and patient. He handled everything in such a mature and understanding way. He was straightforward in his feelings for Trix and where he stands, patient with his sister, and still dedicated to his craft. What I love the most about this man is that he never loses sight of what he wants and where he wants to be. Oh, and he's just too swoon-worthy, especially with the way he feels for Trix.
They have their demons they need to face, but they need to work together if they want to be together. Grand gestures can only do so much, but if you can't compromise and make a conscious effort to make the relationship work, it's bound to fail.
This book shows exactly why Lucy Parker is one of my ultimate favorite authors. She weaves her characters' relationships alongside their growths, making sure that the end game isn't just a happily ever after for the couple, but also a happily ever after for their dreams and goals. She writes realistic and healthy relationships, and characters I just know I'd admire in real life. I would also like to commend Ms. Parker on how she showed the raw and unfiltered picture of anxiety in the story.
I can't recommend this book and series enough, but I will try anyway. Making Up will leave you with a warm feeling in your chest and a grin that's a little too lopsided. This will make you fall in love with them. Also, if you've read the previous books in the series, there are some scenes here that will satisfy your Luc and Lily shipper heart.
Tropes: Second Chance, Hate to Love, Celebrities—West End Theater
POV: Third Person
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
You know, when you're not annoying the hell out of me, you might be my favourite person."
Lucy Parker brings us back to the London Celebrities world with the third standalone, Making Up. This book is a sweet, smart, and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance guaranteed to make your heart flutter. The writing is perfection, the banter hilarious and riveting, and the story completely satisfying.
After the lead performer gets into an accident and the understudy ups and leaves, Beatrix Lane is thrust into the spotlight as the new lead in The Festival of Masks. With the new role comes more complicated moves she never did in her previous role, and Trix doesn't know if she can do it. It doesn't help that Leo Magasiva, childhood something-turned-enemy and the bane of her existence, is joining the production as the new makeup artist.
Leo Magasiva is trying to save what's left of his career, and if it means working with Trix and living with her, he'll do it. He needs to focus on the competition that might help him salvage his career, but with a sister who's too old to act like a brat and a pink-haired spitfire that's too tempting for her good, it wouldn't be easy.
I love Leo and Trix so much because of how they handled their relationship once they've reached the fork in the road, and even before that. I love the little things they do for each other—the non-sexual (and sexual) touches, the little things they do that show how much they get each other, the obvious affection and love.
As individual characters, they're both strong and lovable. Trix may have issues she needs to acknowledge, but she's a firecracker, a force to be reckoned with. She's creative, talented, and is passionate to the core. Her past relationship has turned her into a shell of who she was before, but the old Trix is still there, waiting to come back. It was a wonderful experience to watch her find her way again and bring back that spark her ex-boyfriend took from her.
And Leo, oh Leo. How I love you so. Like Trix, he's just as talented and passionate about his craft. He may show some snark when he and Trix are butting heads, but this man is kind, caring, and patient. He handled everything in such a mature and understanding way. He was straightforward in his feelings for Trix and where he stands, patient with his sister, and still dedicated to his craft. What I love the most about this man is that he never loses sight of what he wants and where he wants to be. Oh, and he's just too swoon-worthy, especially with the way he feels for Trix.
They have their demons they need to face, but they need to work together if they want to be together. Grand gestures can only do so much, but if you can't compromise and make a conscious effort to make the relationship work, it's bound to fail.
This book shows exactly why Lucy Parker is one of my ultimate favorite authors. She weaves her characters' relationships alongside their growths, making sure that the end game isn't just a happily ever after for the couple, but also a happily ever after for their dreams and goals. She writes realistic and healthy relationships, and characters I just know I'd admire in real life. I would also like to commend Ms. Parker on how she showed the raw and unfiltered picture of anxiety in the story.
I can't recommend this book and series enough, but I will try anyway. Making Up will leave you with a warm feeling in your chest and a grin that's a little too lopsided. This will make you fall in love with them. Also, if you've read the previous books in the series, there are some scenes here that will satisfy your Luc and Lily shipper heart.
Tropes: Second Chance, Hate to Love, Celebrities—West End Theater
POV: Third Person
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 21, 2018
Lucy Parker became an instant favorite after I fell in love with the first book of her London Celebrity series. She has never fails to deliver on the swoons and the great characters. The third book, Making Up, is no exception.
We’ve met Trix in Pretty Face. She’s a circus artist and Lily’s best friend who was in an abusive relationship with Dan. That abuse took a toll on Trix and the aftermath was even more heartbreaking. She lost confidence in herself and her talents, and just when it seems like her career and life are in the doldrums, an opportunity to take the lead role in the long running show she's in dropped on lap right along with her old nemesis, Leo Magasiva.
We’ve also met Leo Magasiva briefly in Pretty Face. He’s a make up artist whose Holywood rise was derailed by an allergic reaction mishap. Now back in London, Leo joined Trix’s company as the head make up artist.
Can I just say how refreshing it is to read about a hero who is not a billionaire/Rockstar/biker/soldier but a makeup artist? I loved it. Plus, Leo Magasiva was just divine. Swoon-worthy, creative guy with a heart of gold. He’s the perfect man for Trix, and lord knows she needs someone trustworthy after Dan the snake oil man almost ruined her life.
The chemistry between Trix and Leo just leaps off the page and their banter was amazing. Lucy Parker definitely knows how to write banter. The relationship between Trix and Leo was complicated from the start. They had history and they had personal issues to deal with on top of everything. I of course, adored it because I love me some complicated.
It was delightful going back to the London setting of this book. I wish more contemporary romances are set there just to break the monotony of American set romances. I loved that the London described in this book is filled with diverse characters and it felt lived in. London’s West End is in and on itself a main character in the book. And oh, this book was also damn funny. It’s not slapstick humor but the sarcastic, offbeat, and deadpan kind, which I personally prefer.
There’s a new character introduced in this book which I feel readers will either love or hate. I wasn’t sure about it myself but I think I love to read more about this character. Fingers crossed Lucy will have something plan because it’s going to get interesting to say the least.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Although I’ll be the first one to say that it’s far from perfect. I had a bit of an issue with the pacing especially the middle. It was definitely slow during that part but it did pick up and finished strong. And that epilogue!! Loved it.
There is also a scene that might raise some discussion around consent. And after thinking about it and rereading that part again, I personally wasn’t bothered by it. I felt that something was already established between them. So I wasn’t bothered by it. I’m mentioning this, trying to be as vague as possible as to not spoil the book but I also feel that it’s a good point to discuss among readers.
Anyway, I still adored this book. Those little snags weren’t big enough to affect my overall enjoyment at all.
___________________________________
Eeeeeeeppppp!!!
We’ve met Trix in Pretty Face. She’s a circus artist and Lily’s best friend who was in an abusive relationship with Dan. That abuse took a toll on Trix and the aftermath was even more heartbreaking. She lost confidence in herself and her talents, and just when it seems like her career and life are in the doldrums, an opportunity to take the lead role in the long running show she's in dropped on lap right along with her old nemesis, Leo Magasiva.
We’ve also met Leo Magasiva briefly in Pretty Face. He’s a make up artist whose Holywood rise was derailed by an allergic reaction mishap. Now back in London, Leo joined Trix’s company as the head make up artist.
Can I just say how refreshing it is to read about a hero who is not a billionaire/Rockstar/biker/soldier but a makeup artist? I loved it. Plus, Leo Magasiva was just divine. Swoon-worthy, creative guy with a heart of gold. He’s the perfect man for Trix, and lord knows she needs someone trustworthy after Dan the snake oil man almost ruined her life.
"It doesn’t have to be complicated, Trix.”
It was the only thing he could say. It was also a total bloody lie. It was them. It was going to be completely fucking complicated.
The chemistry between Trix and Leo just leaps off the page and their banter was amazing. Lucy Parker definitely knows how to write banter. The relationship between Trix and Leo was complicated from the start. They had history and they had personal issues to deal with on top of everything. I of course, adored it because I love me some complicated.
It was delightful going back to the London setting of this book. I wish more contemporary romances are set there just to break the monotony of American set romances. I loved that the London described in this book is filled with diverse characters and it felt lived in. London’s West End is in and on itself a main character in the book. And oh, this book was also damn funny. It’s not slapstick humor but the sarcastic, offbeat, and deadpan kind, which I personally prefer.
There’s a new character introduced in this book which I feel readers will either love or hate. I wasn’t sure about it myself but I think I love to read more about this character. Fingers crossed Lucy will have something plan because it’s going to get interesting to say the least.
We do not squee over anything to do with this man, ovaries. Rein in the hormones immediately.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Although I’ll be the first one to say that it’s far from perfect. I had a bit of an issue with the pacing especially the middle. It was definitely slow during that part but it did pick up and finished strong. And that epilogue!! Loved it.
There is also a scene that might raise some discussion around consent. And after thinking about it and rereading that part again, I personally wasn’t bothered by it. I felt that something was already established between them. So I wasn’t bothered by it. I’m mentioning this, trying to be as vague as possible as to not spoil the book but I also feel that it’s a good point to discuss among readers.
Anyway, I still adored this book. Those little snags weren’t big enough to affect my overall enjoyment at all.
___________________________________
Eeeeeeeppppp!!!
December 16, 2022
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DNF @ p.254
Have you ever kept reading a book you weren't into because you liked the author and you were kind of gaslighting yourself while reading? Like, for me, I love Lucy Parker. I think she's an intelligent woman who tackles tough and difficult subjects in her romance novels and she's exceptionally witty and good at banter. But the whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, "I don't know, man, the chemistry's kind of off... maybe it'll get better? It feels like the author is trying too hard to make these two a thing and I'm just really not feeling it... ?"
It's enemies-to-lovers, which I'm a sucker for, and I loved that the hero was African. It's also cool that they have unusual jobs. Trix works as a performer in a stage act that's kind of like the Cirque du Soleil. And the hero, Leo, is a makeup artist. The portrayals of stage makeup and special effects makeup and what it's like doing aerial acrobatics were really neat and probably the best part of this book after the anxiety rep and the way that anxiety can intensify your impostor syndrome and make you really susceptible to emotional abuse and criticism.
But I just didn't feel the chemistry. It felt like they didn't like each other, even after they allegedly made up. And Leo was a huge douche. When I found out what the misunderstanding was between them, I was kind of like, wow. I'd hate you too. He doesn't exactly grovel for it either. IDK, man. I thought these characters were okay and the writing was certainly technically good but where's the passion? The first book in this series was so much better...
2 to 2.5 stars
July 14, 2018
Trix Lane unexpectedly lands the lead role in The Festival of Masks, a kind of circus/play, and normally she’d be over the moon, but self-doubt creeps in thanks to a bad breakup with a toxic man. Add to that Leo Magasiva will now be working on the production, and they have a long history of hating each other. Well, they didn’t always hate each other. There was a time in school they were quite close, but that went horribly wrong. Yet, now when Trix is having problems with performing the one who seems to help the most is Leo.
I really enjoyed the past two books in this series, Ms. Parker is such a clever writer. Making Up did not disappoint, and once again I was treated to witty and funny exchanges. The sparring back and forth between Trix and Leo was a laugh, but there was also serious depth as we’re shown the history between them. Trix and Leo discover things in the past may not have been as they thought. Of course, you can’t have such strong emotions such as hate without passion and hurt at the bottom of it, and it’s as they say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Trix and Leo have a sweet and HOT journey back to love, and it was a pleasure to experience with them.
A copy was kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the past two books in this series, Ms. Parker is such a clever writer. Making Up did not disappoint, and once again I was treated to witty and funny exchanges. The sparring back and forth between Trix and Leo was a laugh, but there was also serious depth as we’re shown the history between them. Trix and Leo discover things in the past may not have been as they thought. Of course, you can’t have such strong emotions such as hate without passion and hurt at the bottom of it, and it’s as they say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Trix and Leo have a sweet and HOT journey back to love, and it was a pleasure to experience with them.
A copy was kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2019
"This is not a we-bicker-because-we-want-to-bang' situation. It's a 'he's-a-tosspost-and-I've-learned-my-lesson' situation."
"I don't believe I mentioned sex. What an interesting direction your mind took."
I will never get tired of Parker's brand of snarky sarcastic sassy hate-to-love romances.
She was really wasted in musical theatre. Anyone who could bury that much loathing beneath layers of vocal honey was just itching to be cast in a violent whodunit.
This time we have the pint sized, and colourfully pinkhaired, acrobatic artist Trix and make-up and special effects genius, and darkly handsome pain in her ass, Leo. They've known each other since they were teens and have flitted in and out of each other's lives long enough to face off and do verbal battle, but never long enough to hash out why they can't have a civil conversation. And it's that 'why' that eventually changes everything; after causing a brutal allergic reaction on an actor he was working with, Leo finds himself temporarily on contract at a new job -- which happens to be at the stage production Trix is performing for -- and constant exposure to one another, frequent barbs traded, proximity via shared space at the company's flat they now share.. it all eventually leads to them eventually making up. Sorta.
They had moved from raised hackles to cuddles with barely a hitch. He could question it, but he didn't feel like being that introspective when she was nestled against his groin.
Trix and Leo had chemistry for days. Despite the baggage of their past interactions, they end up making up for lost time when fate brings them back together. I'm not entirely sure the emotional connection outweighed the chemical (though I'm going to reread the final cut and possibly revise this statement as it was kind of a shit day for my city when I read this, so, tbd), but I can't deny that Leo being supportive and angry and hurt over the damage done to Trix by her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend.. it really got to me. You could feel how much he cared and how much he had to regret (not that it was his fault). And Parker did a really good job of expressing Trixie's hesitations to be in something new after her last go of a relationship, and all the anxieties and hangups she was dealing with -- personally and professionally -- but I did find those got in the way of me being able to connect to her. The banter, the sex, it was all great, though. And I loved that they were giant fandom-y nerds. It was adorable.
"I'm supplying the eyeliner skills. What talents are you bringing to the table?"
"Trapeze sex?"
"All right. You win."
Leo's struggle to redeem his career and try to make the best of his circumstances, however, I felt were overwhelmed by the walking, talking, raging bitch that was his sister Cat. I'm going to be honest; her reasons for it aside, I could not get on with this character. I did not feel her behaviour was at all justified in the end, and certainly not redeemed (and maybe it was also kinda.. overkill? I don't want to spoil so I don't want to even hint at the whys), and she was the tipping the point for me in so many scenes. As in, tipped me right over into dislike and 'when is she going to leave this scene'. There were a few very unlikeable characters in MAKING UP and I think it was just one too many. I could have happily seen her drown and rated this a five for 'ding dong the witch is dead'.
Somewhere, even the Sith Emperor was looking at this guy's management style and thinking "bit harsh."
But. Oh but. I was so happy to see how Trix and Leo resolved their issues, as a couple and personally, and the ending turned me into a giant heart-eyes emoji. And while I'm wasn't going to round down despite my hate-on for Catherine.. I think it needs to be noted. While MAKING UP did not quite reach the heights of sheer awesome of the previous two London Celebrities books, it's still a great, colourful, wild, funny, emotional, and sexy af addition to the series.
"She likes the idea of pink-haired grandchildren."
"She does realize I didn't come out of the womb like this."
"She thinks that the power of your personality is such that if you want naturally bubblegum-haired babies, you'll get bubblegum-haired babies."
I had meant to read this ARC ages and ages ago but as luck would have it I put it off (weird how the things you want most often end up pushed aside) and I was able to finish this story knowing it wasn't the end of this series.. and that makes me even happier. To know that I'm not saying goodbye after all. I'm so excited for more from this great world but look forward to any, and every, title to come from this wonderful and talented author.
3.5 "he really shouldn't take any sexual interest in someone looking at him as if they were debating the most painful way to lop his balls off" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
"I don't believe I mentioned sex. What an interesting direction your mind took."
I will never get tired of Parker's brand of snarky sarcastic sassy hate-to-love romances.
She was really wasted in musical theatre. Anyone who could bury that much loathing beneath layers of vocal honey was just itching to be cast in a violent whodunit.
This time we have the pint sized, and colourfully pinkhaired, acrobatic artist Trix and make-up and special effects genius, and darkly handsome pain in her ass, Leo. They've known each other since they were teens and have flitted in and out of each other's lives long enough to face off and do verbal battle, but never long enough to hash out why they can't have a civil conversation. And it's that 'why' that eventually changes everything; after causing a brutal allergic reaction on an actor he was working with, Leo finds himself temporarily on contract at a new job -- which happens to be at the stage production Trix is performing for -- and constant exposure to one another, frequent barbs traded, proximity via shared space at the company's flat they now share.. it all eventually leads to them eventually making up. Sorta.
They had moved from raised hackles to cuddles with barely a hitch. He could question it, but he didn't feel like being that introspective when she was nestled against his groin.
Trix and Leo had chemistry for days. Despite the baggage of their past interactions, they end up making up for lost time when fate brings them back together. I'm not entirely sure the emotional connection outweighed the chemical (though I'm going to reread the final cut and possibly revise this statement as it was kind of a shit day for my city when I read this, so, tbd), but I can't deny that Leo being supportive and angry and hurt over the damage done to Trix by her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend.. it really got to me. You could feel how much he cared and how much he had to regret (not that it was his fault). And Parker did a really good job of expressing Trixie's hesitations to be in something new after her last go of a relationship, and all the anxieties and hangups she was dealing with -- personally and professionally -- but I did find those got in the way of me being able to connect to her. The banter, the sex, it was all great, though. And I loved that they were giant fandom-y nerds. It was adorable.
"I'm supplying the eyeliner skills. What talents are you bringing to the table?"
"Trapeze sex?"
"All right. You win."
Leo's struggle to redeem his career and try to make the best of his circumstances, however, I felt were overwhelmed by the walking, talking, raging bitch that was his sister Cat. I'm going to be honest; her reasons for it aside, I could not get on with this character. I did not feel her behaviour was at all justified in the end, and certainly not redeemed (and maybe it was also kinda.. overkill? I don't want to spoil so I don't want to even hint at the whys), and she was the tipping the point for me in so many scenes. As in, tipped me right over into dislike and 'when is she going to leave this scene'. There were a few very unlikeable characters in MAKING UP and I think it was just one too many. I could have happily seen her drown and rated this a five for 'ding dong the witch is dead'.
Somewhere, even the Sith Emperor was looking at this guy's management style and thinking "bit harsh."
But. Oh but. I was so happy to see how Trix and Leo resolved their issues, as a couple and personally, and the ending turned me into a giant heart-eyes emoji. And while I'm wasn't going to round down despite my hate-on for Catherine.. I think it needs to be noted. While MAKING UP did not quite reach the heights of sheer awesome of the previous two London Celebrities books, it's still a great, colourful, wild, funny, emotional, and sexy af addition to the series.
"She likes the idea of pink-haired grandchildren."
"She does realize I didn't come out of the womb like this."
"She thinks that the power of your personality is such that if you want naturally bubblegum-haired babies, you'll get bubblegum-haired babies."
I had meant to read this ARC ages and ages ago but as luck would have it I put it off (weird how the things you want most often end up pushed aside) and I was able to finish this story knowing it wasn't the end of this series.. and that makes me even happier. To know that I'm not saying goodbye after all. I'm so excited for more from this great world but look forward to any, and every, title to come from this wonderful and talented author.
3.5 "he really shouldn't take any sexual interest in someone looking at him as if they were debating the most painful way to lop his balls off" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
June 3, 2018
RE-READ : MAY 2018
After just three books from Lucy Parker, I am ready to sell my soul to her. There's something so special about her stories that make them not only readable but also re-readable. No joke, but I've re-read Making Up three times this year already. #noregrets Making Up still had the quintessential Lucy Parker elements to the story, but I thought Leo and Trix's story stood out on its own.
I loved Trix the minute we met her in Pretty Face. She was a wonderful friend to Lily, and there was a hidden sadness to her that I wanted Lucy to get rid of. Trix was even more of a gorgeous character in Making Up. I just love how this author's characters just have layers and layers to their personalities. We get to see Trix shine here and I didn't think it was possible to love this pink-haired aerialist even more than I already did, but I did. After an accident leaves the lead of her show hospitalized, Trix takes over the role as she's the understudy. Despite how excited she is about undertaking the new role, an abusive relationship has left her with very little self-confidence. It ached my heart to watch this girl go through moments of self-doubt when clearly she was incredibly talented, but her struggles were so real. As a reader, you want her to overcome everything and chase that happily ever after. It's not an easy journey for Trix, but slowly, throughout Making Up, you see her working through her issues and damn if I didn't cry in pride for all that she achieved.
On the other side, we have Leo. Oh, Leo! <3 I loved that he was a grumpy, quiet make-up artist, who is pet-sitting his sister's hedgehog, Reggie - seriously, how perfect does he sound already? In Making Up, Leo was going through his own issues which mainly involved a career setback and trying to put back his career on the right track. He was also dealing with his baby sister, Cat, who was back from America, with an unpleasant attitude. When Leo joins Trix's show as the make-up artist, sparks fly between the two. We find out that the two of them knew each other in school and that something happened that turned them against each other. There were some hints of animosity between the two in the beginning, but that obviously slowly changes.
Lucy Parker writes some of the most satisfying romances ever, and Leo and Trix's story was no different. Their shared connection, the way they helped heal each other and the banter just gave me so much life. I was either smiling like a goof or crying in happiness at every scene of theirs. I just don't know how this author continuously writes these love stories that make me ache and feel. I also absolutely love how romances don't rely on unnecessary dramatics or sources of conflicts. Instead, she uses realistic plotlines and we get to see the couple work through their issues *together*, which is so nice to see. Can I also say just how happy I was to see my favorites Luc and Lily finally tie the knot? That whole wedding had my heart flying. And I have to briefly mention the epilogue in Making Up. It's absolutely perfect, and gosh darn it, Lucy! She has really set the bar for all romance epilogues with this one.
As always, it took zero effort for me to fall in love with Lucy's writing. With Making Up, she continues to prove that she's an author who is out of this world. If you love your romances with well-layered characters, Making Up, and everything else by the author are the books for you.
After just three books from Lucy Parker, I am ready to sell my soul to her. There's something so special about her stories that make them not only readable but also re-readable. No joke, but I've re-read Making Up three times this year already. #noregrets Making Up still had the quintessential Lucy Parker elements to the story, but I thought Leo and Trix's story stood out on its own.
I loved Trix the minute we met her in Pretty Face. She was a wonderful friend to Lily, and there was a hidden sadness to her that I wanted Lucy to get rid of. Trix was even more of a gorgeous character in Making Up. I just love how this author's characters just have layers and layers to their personalities. We get to see Trix shine here and I didn't think it was possible to love this pink-haired aerialist even more than I already did, but I did. After an accident leaves the lead of her show hospitalized, Trix takes over the role as she's the understudy. Despite how excited she is about undertaking the new role, an abusive relationship has left her with very little self-confidence. It ached my heart to watch this girl go through moments of self-doubt when clearly she was incredibly talented, but her struggles were so real. As a reader, you want her to overcome everything and chase that happily ever after. It's not an easy journey for Trix, but slowly, throughout Making Up, you see her working through her issues and damn if I didn't cry in pride for all that she achieved.
On the other side, we have Leo. Oh, Leo! <3 I loved that he was a grumpy, quiet make-up artist, who is pet-sitting his sister's hedgehog, Reggie - seriously, how perfect does he sound already? In Making Up, Leo was going through his own issues which mainly involved a career setback and trying to put back his career on the right track. He was also dealing with his baby sister, Cat, who was back from America, with an unpleasant attitude. When Leo joins Trix's show as the make-up artist, sparks fly between the two. We find out that the two of them knew each other in school and that something happened that turned them against each other. There were some hints of animosity between the two in the beginning, but that obviously slowly changes.
Lucy Parker writes some of the most satisfying romances ever, and Leo and Trix's story was no different. Their shared connection, the way they helped heal each other and the banter just gave me so much life. I was either smiling like a goof or crying in happiness at every scene of theirs. I just don't know how this author continuously writes these love stories that make me ache and feel. I also absolutely love how romances don't rely on unnecessary dramatics or sources of conflicts. Instead, she uses realistic plotlines and we get to see the couple work through their issues *together*, which is so nice to see. Can I also say just how happy I was to see my favorites Luc and Lily finally tie the knot? That whole wedding had my heart flying. And I have to briefly mention the epilogue in Making Up. It's absolutely perfect, and gosh darn it, Lucy! She has really set the bar for all romance epilogues with this one.
As always, it took zero effort for me to fall in love with Lucy's writing. With Making Up, she continues to prove that she's an author who is out of this world. If you love your romances with well-layered characters, Making Up, and everything else by the author are the books for you.
January 11, 2018
I devoured an early copy of this book in less than half a day, because I COULD NOT stop reading it! I love Lucy Parker's characters so much. They always feel so beautifully real and true, like people I could meet (and love) in real life, and I care about all of them so intensely.
Trix, the pink-haired aerialist heroine, is smart and sharp and fierce but also struggling with intense anxiety after an emotionally abusive prior relationship, fighting her way back towards believing in herself in both her private and professional life. Leo, the make-up artist hero, is the Benedick to her Beatrice (and in fact, "Trix" is short for "Beatrix", which I didn't even think about until after I'd finished the novel, but it's a lovely hat-tip to Much Ado About Nothing!), so they start out with an established relationship of emotionally-loaded barbs, based on (very realistic) prior misunderstandings...but once they sort those out, the emotional support that he gives her is just amazing.
I love that they're both total f/sf geeks who go to a con as part of the novel - and one of Leo's biggest challenges in the book is an SFX cosmetics competition, fighting for a position as the head make-up artist on a fantasy TV show. I love that their relationships with friends and family are all so real and natural - including both of their separately difficult and prickly relationships with Leo's younger sister (who Trix might well have just shut out of her life, for good reason, if not for the fact that Leo loves her). The anxiety that Trix suffers with - and Leo does, too, to a lesser degree - is real and not curable, but it can be managed and dealt with.
There's a really gorgeous message in this book, overall, about finding happiness in the midst of the messy reality of life, and I actually teared up when reading one climactic scene about just that point. As I was reading on my Kindle, I highlighted a line near the end about "the most amazing, perfectly imperfect life," which resonated SO MUCH for me, personally.
Lucy writes the most emotionally compelling and *real*-feeling contemporary romance novels that I know, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next. I've already preordered my final copy of this book, and I know I'll be re-reading it many times in the future!
Trix, the pink-haired aerialist heroine, is smart and sharp and fierce but also struggling with intense anxiety after an emotionally abusive prior relationship, fighting her way back towards believing in herself in both her private and professional life. Leo, the make-up artist hero, is the Benedick to her Beatrice (and in fact, "Trix" is short for "Beatrix", which I didn't even think about until after I'd finished the novel, but it's a lovely hat-tip to Much Ado About Nothing!), so they start out with an established relationship of emotionally-loaded barbs, based on (very realistic) prior misunderstandings...but once they sort those out, the emotional support that he gives her is just amazing.
I love that they're both total f/sf geeks who go to a con as part of the novel - and one of Leo's biggest challenges in the book is an SFX cosmetics competition, fighting for a position as the head make-up artist on a fantasy TV show. I love that their relationships with friends and family are all so real and natural - including both of their separately difficult and prickly relationships with Leo's younger sister (who Trix might well have just shut out of her life, for good reason, if not for the fact that Leo loves her). The anxiety that Trix suffers with - and Leo does, too, to a lesser degree - is real and not curable, but it can be managed and dealt with.
There's a really gorgeous message in this book, overall, about finding happiness in the midst of the messy reality of life, and I actually teared up when reading one climactic scene about just that point. As I was reading on my Kindle, I highlighted a line near the end about "the most amazing, perfectly imperfect life," which resonated SO MUCH for me, personally.
Lucy writes the most emotionally compelling and *real*-feeling contemporary romance novels that I know, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next. I've already preordered my final copy of this book, and I know I'll be re-reading it many times in the future!
June 29, 2018
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars
Lucy Parker is pretty much the only author of contemporary romance whose books are a must-read for me, and I suspect that there are many, many readers out there in Romancelandia who, like me, have been eagerly awaiting Making Up, the third book in her London Celebrities series. Set in the world of London’s West End, the stories take place amid the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd, the backstage backstabbing, the gossip, rivalry and intense camaraderie of theatre companies mounting high-status, high profile productions. Ms. Parker completely nails the London setting and the sheer amount of graft from all involved required to mount a commercially successful West End production; her characters work hard, play hard and show readers that not all is glitz and glamour behind the footlights.
So… what you want to know is – was Making Up worth waiting for? Absolutely. Is it as good as Act Like It and Pretty Face? Weeeeeell… not quite. Don’t get me wrong – it has all the ingredients that made the other books in this series such great reads. The two principals are appealing, the dialogue sparkles, the banter zings back and forth and the romance is well-done… but it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor which, for my money, is the strongest of the series.
Towards the end of that book, Trix Lane, best friend of the heroine, Lily, was just emerging from an emotionally abusive relationship with a guy who had gradually been separating her from her friends, belittling her profession and eroding her self-esteem. Fortunately, Trix managed to extricate herself before things got worse, but it’s left some big emotional scars and serious dents in her self-confidence.
At the beginning of Making Up, the lead aerial performer in Festival of Masks – an odd mix of carnival, rock concert and dark fairy tale with a bit of smut thrown in for good measure – is hospitalised after an accident on-stage. A combination of circumstances conspires to catapult Trix into the limelight to take over the role at the next performance and for the foreseeable future. But Trix – who would in the past have jumped at the chance to get out there and show what she’s made of – is terrified. It doesn’t help that the stage manager is a prick who never has a kind word or word of praise for anyone, but Trix knows the problem goes deeper than that. She is fully aware that this newly found lack of assurance is a hangover from her relationship with Dan St. James; somehow his backhanded compliments and subtle and not-so-subtle digs and jibes insidiously wormed their way into her psyche and they’re hard to shake off.
Leo Magasiva has known Trix on and off for years, ever since they were at school. They had been good friends once, but a nasty, unguarded comment from Leo, followed by Trix’s departure for a posh boarding-school put paid to their friendship, and they’ve been at daggers drawn ever since. Somehow, though, they have never been able to completely avoid each other, running into one another at various events and gatherings over the years, and taking advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a game of verbal one-upmanship.
A talented and widely respected make-up artist, Leo’s career has taken a nose-dive courtesy of an actor who failed to disclose his skin allergies. Which is how come Leo is prepared to take a short-term gig in the West End; he can lie low for a bit and also get ready for a major make-up and special effects competition being held in London which he’s hoping might open doors for him in the movie industry.
As soon as Trix and Leo set eyes on each other, old wounds are reopened and old hurts resurrected. Leo isn’t thrilled about working in close proximity with Trix, and she’s openly hostile to him while she’s friendly with her cast-mates, and one guy in particular. Leo immediately labels her as a fake and a flirt, although it’s very clear that his antagonism is rooted in jealousy and something else that relates to their past. Fortunately, however, the author doesn’t string out the issues that lie between them for too long and the misunderstandings that led to the end of their youthful friendship are cleared up well before the half-way point. The sexual tension that has been simmering between them since their first scene (and for the past decade!) finally boils over, but it’s clear that keeping things casual is going to be difficult for both of them and Trix, especially, is terrified. Insecurites continue to plague her about her professional ability, and the thought of trusting a man again, no matter that she knows Leo is nothing like her ex… it’s all too much and she’s finding it hard to cope.
Fortunately for Trix, Leo is an amazing guy. He’s generous of spirit, insightful and incredibly supportive, knowing when to push and when to hold back, watching out for Trix even as he’s worrying over his younger sister who, for most of the book is a total bitch and is clearly unhappy about something but won’t open up to him. He refuses to allow Trix to lose sight of who she really is – “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met” – or to give up on herself or on them.
There are many things to enjoy about the story, not least of which is the fact that Leo and Trix come across as adults who have real conversations dealing with complex issues and emotions. Their banter is witty and perceptive; Ms. Parker has a way of using verbal sparring between characters to illuminate their weaknesses as well as their strengths and while the level of snark varies from the gentle to the punishing, it’s never downright nasty. The secondary characters are well-drawn and the backstage camaraderie is the perfect mixture of heartfelt and cynical; Trix and Leo are talented people, both ambitious, dedicated to – and supportive of – their careers, and the overlying message of the book is one we can all identify with, the need to find happiness where we may, amid “life in all its occasional shittiness.”
While Making Up doesn’t quite rise to the heights of the previous books in the London Celebrities series, it’s nonetheless an extremely entertaining and enjoyable novel and one I’m more than happy to recommend. Funny, sexy, poignant, warm, intelligent – and I haven’t even mentioned the cute baby hedgehog yet – it’s the perfect summer read.
Lucy Parker is pretty much the only author of contemporary romance whose books are a must-read for me, and I suspect that there are many, many readers out there in Romancelandia who, like me, have been eagerly awaiting Making Up, the third book in her London Celebrities series. Set in the world of London’s West End, the stories take place amid the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd, the backstage backstabbing, the gossip, rivalry and intense camaraderie of theatre companies mounting high-status, high profile productions. Ms. Parker completely nails the London setting and the sheer amount of graft from all involved required to mount a commercially successful West End production; her characters work hard, play hard and show readers that not all is glitz and glamour behind the footlights.
So… what you want to know is – was Making Up worth waiting for? Absolutely. Is it as good as Act Like It and Pretty Face? Weeeeeell… not quite. Don’t get me wrong – it has all the ingredients that made the other books in this series such great reads. The two principals are appealing, the dialogue sparkles, the banter zings back and forth and the romance is well-done… but it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor which, for my money, is the strongest of the series.
Towards the end of that book, Trix Lane, best friend of the heroine, Lily, was just emerging from an emotionally abusive relationship with a guy who had gradually been separating her from her friends, belittling her profession and eroding her self-esteem. Fortunately, Trix managed to extricate herself before things got worse, but it’s left some big emotional scars and serious dents in her self-confidence.
At the beginning of Making Up, the lead aerial performer in Festival of Masks – an odd mix of carnival, rock concert and dark fairy tale with a bit of smut thrown in for good measure – is hospitalised after an accident on-stage. A combination of circumstances conspires to catapult Trix into the limelight to take over the role at the next performance and for the foreseeable future. But Trix – who would in the past have jumped at the chance to get out there and show what she’s made of – is terrified. It doesn’t help that the stage manager is a prick who never has a kind word or word of praise for anyone, but Trix knows the problem goes deeper than that. She is fully aware that this newly found lack of assurance is a hangover from her relationship with Dan St. James; somehow his backhanded compliments and subtle and not-so-subtle digs and jibes insidiously wormed their way into her psyche and they’re hard to shake off.
Leo Magasiva has known Trix on and off for years, ever since they were at school. They had been good friends once, but a nasty, unguarded comment from Leo, followed by Trix’s departure for a posh boarding-school put paid to their friendship, and they’ve been at daggers drawn ever since. Somehow, though, they have never been able to completely avoid each other, running into one another at various events and gatherings over the years, and taking advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a game of verbal one-upmanship.
A talented and widely respected make-up artist, Leo’s career has taken a nose-dive courtesy of an actor who failed to disclose his skin allergies. Which is how come Leo is prepared to take a short-term gig in the West End; he can lie low for a bit and also get ready for a major make-up and special effects competition being held in London which he’s hoping might open doors for him in the movie industry.
As soon as Trix and Leo set eyes on each other, old wounds are reopened and old hurts resurrected. Leo isn’t thrilled about working in close proximity with Trix, and she’s openly hostile to him while she’s friendly with her cast-mates, and one guy in particular. Leo immediately labels her as a fake and a flirt, although it’s very clear that his antagonism is rooted in jealousy and something else that relates to their past. Fortunately, however, the author doesn’t string out the issues that lie between them for too long and the misunderstandings that led to the end of their youthful friendship are cleared up well before the half-way point. The sexual tension that has been simmering between them since their first scene (and for the past decade!) finally boils over, but it’s clear that keeping things casual is going to be difficult for both of them and Trix, especially, is terrified. Insecurites continue to plague her about her professional ability, and the thought of trusting a man again, no matter that she knows Leo is nothing like her ex… it’s all too much and she’s finding it hard to cope.
Fortunately for Trix, Leo is an amazing guy. He’s generous of spirit, insightful and incredibly supportive, knowing when to push and when to hold back, watching out for Trix even as he’s worrying over his younger sister who, for most of the book is a total bitch and is clearly unhappy about something but won’t open up to him. He refuses to allow Trix to lose sight of who she really is – “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met” – or to give up on herself or on them.
There are many things to enjoy about the story, not least of which is the fact that Leo and Trix come across as adults who have real conversations dealing with complex issues and emotions. Their banter is witty and perceptive; Ms. Parker has a way of using verbal sparring between characters to illuminate their weaknesses as well as their strengths and while the level of snark varies from the gentle to the punishing, it’s never downright nasty. The secondary characters are well-drawn and the backstage camaraderie is the perfect mixture of heartfelt and cynical; Trix and Leo are talented people, both ambitious, dedicated to – and supportive of – their careers, and the overlying message of the book is one we can all identify with, the need to find happiness where we may, amid “life in all its occasional shittiness.”
While Making Up doesn’t quite rise to the heights of the previous books in the London Celebrities series, it’s nonetheless an extremely entertaining and enjoyable novel and one I’m more than happy to recommend. Funny, sexy, poignant, warm, intelligent – and I haven’t even mentioned the cute baby hedgehog yet – it’s the perfect summer read.
March 9, 2018
4.5 stars.
Absolutely brilliant!
Review to come.
Well, once the cover is up!:)
Absolutely brilliant!
Review to come.
Well, once the cover is up!:)
December 27, 2018
Gonna try this again. Hopefully I'll remember to hit "save" this time. 😒
TAKE 2.
3.75 stars
I'm waffling between 3½ stars and 4 stars. Lucy Parker books have become my new crack. This is my second try with her and I've quickly become a huge fan. Her writing just draws you right in. The beginning of this one though was a bit rough. The first 30% I abhorred. The whole "I can't stand you because I overheard you say something mean about me 10 years ago in high school" just isn't my cuppa. It's not the best enemies to lovers angle to deploy. To see 2 grown adults go at each other's throats and bicker over a 10 year long misunderstanding and leftover teenage angst is just not my idea of good fun angst. It's fucking awful and probably one of the tropes I loathe the most. Like good lord, burn it to hell please. But thankfully once everything is aired out things became more bearable and I started to enjoy it. Trix is not my favorite kind of heroine but I warmed up to her. Leo made a divine hero. I loved reading about the theater life and the fact that both leads are artists in their own right was so fun. LP has a great hand at capturing details. I didn't know much about aerial acrobat before this besides it looking really pretty and very scary. Kudos to LP for really going in there with the details. Although I will admit a lot of the acrobat lingo went right over my head (no pun intended). I still have no clue what a Pike Press is or what a Side Planche is. There's only so many times you can google aerial movements before giving up. lol And Leo's special affects make up was so fun and as someone who loves the reality show Face Off, I got a kick out of him competing in the makeup artist contest. So accurate! Seeing these two geeking out over the same things and finding that common ground to bond over and reconnect was charming and it fit them. While this wasn't my absolute favorite work by this author, there were still gems littered throughout the book that had me grinning like a loon.
So much fun! Can't wait to read more from this author!
*Credit for the cute Trix & Leo illustration goes to Lucy Parker's adorable website. I own nothing!*
http://www.lucyparkerfiction.com
TAKE 2.
3.75 stars
I'm waffling between 3½ stars and 4 stars. Lucy Parker books have become my new crack. This is my second try with her and I've quickly become a huge fan. Her writing just draws you right in. The beginning of this one though was a bit rough. The first 30% I abhorred. The whole "I can't stand you because I overheard you say something mean about me 10 years ago in high school" just isn't my cuppa. It's not the best enemies to lovers angle to deploy. To see 2 grown adults go at each other's throats and bicker over a 10 year long misunderstanding and leftover teenage angst is just not my idea of good fun angst. It's fucking awful and probably one of the tropes I loathe the most. Like good lord, burn it to hell please. But thankfully once everything is aired out things became more bearable and I started to enjoy it. Trix is not my favorite kind of heroine but I warmed up to her. Leo made a divine hero. I loved reading about the theater life and the fact that both leads are artists in their own right was so fun. LP has a great hand at capturing details. I didn't know much about aerial acrobat before this besides it looking really pretty and very scary. Kudos to LP for really going in there with the details. Although I will admit a lot of the acrobat lingo went right over my head (no pun intended). I still have no clue what a Pike Press is or what a Side Planche is. There's only so many times you can google aerial movements before giving up. lol And Leo's special affects make up was so fun and as someone who loves the reality show Face Off, I got a kick out of him competing in the makeup artist contest. So accurate! Seeing these two geeking out over the same things and finding that common ground to bond over and reconnect was charming and it fit them. While this wasn't my absolute favorite work by this author, there were still gems littered throughout the book that had me grinning like a loon.
Her face was completely bare today, and she had even more freckles than he remembered. They were pinpoint dots scattered across her skin, clustering in places like constellations, which seemed fitting since she had a tattoo of small black stars down the side of her neck. He was fairly sure that if he got a ballpoint pen and played join-the-dots with the freckles on her cheekbone, he’d end up with an outline of the Millennium Falcon.
“Bloody people.” She and Leo made the exact same remark at almost the same time, his tone less joking than hers. Synchronised misanthropy. What next.
“Aww.” Scott looked back and forth between them. “Look at you two, with your cute little matching sketchbooks and your burning hatred of mankind.”
If she could ever afford to buy a house, even Dolores Umbridge would look at her shelves and think “Ooh, maybe a few too many porcelain cats.”
“Apparently we’re one of the internet’s hot new couples to watch. Literally watch.”
“Unbelievable.”
“My mother saw it.”
“Oh, God.”
“She’s into it. She added a hashtag-Jinx to all her social media profiles. She likes the idea of pink-haired grandchildren.”
“She does realise I didn’t come out of the womb like this.”
“She thinks that the power of your personality is such that if you want naturally bubblegum-haired babies, you’ll get bubblegum-haired babies.”
Trix turned around and gave him a look that could have shrivelled at least three of his vital appendages to the respective size of peppermints and a jellybean, a tragedy for all concerned.
However light they tried to keep things, the atmosphere between them was like one of those plasma globes; as soon as they got near one another, lines of electricity stretched from her skin to his.
Trix tapped her finger against something on the page. “I’m not going to murder him at your wedding.” She considered. “Well, the odds have lowered.”
“Have they?” Lily asked meaningfully. “Could it be that you’ve come to a mature truce and decided to set your differences aside for the duration of the show?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“Or could it be that the rough shag in your flat no longer refers solely to that hideous ’70s carpet in the loo?”
If Lily was a Michelangelo sculpture today, serene and fluid and slightly otherworldly, Trix was a Tamara de Lempicka painting, bright, gorgeous, and edgy, with shadows in her eyes.
His probably justified irritation acted on her simmering temper like a cat having its fur stroked in the wrong direction. Spikes, prickles, and instant claws.
“You’re it for me, Tinker Bell. I think my heart probably went ‘Yes. Her. This.’ when I was sixteen years old and an immature prick, and nowhere near ready for you, and it took the rest of me over ten years to shut up and listen.
So much fun! Can't wait to read more from this author!
*Credit for the cute Trix & Leo illustration goes to Lucy Parker's adorable website. I own nothing!*
http://www.lucyparkerfiction.com
September 14, 2018
Fresh and interesting: makeup artist hero!
August 2, 2018
Project: Catch Up On Review Backlog, review #4 out of 11
So this review has actually been stalling me for a month now, for no particular reason. Maybe I felt pressured to live up to all the cute hedgehog gifs I’ve included below with my words. Or maybe it’s because I’ve since found (thanks to the CBR Facebook group) that Lucy Parker reads Cannonball Read sometimes (!!). No pressure, y’all. Sometimes when I write reviews I pretend authors don’t exist, for just this reason. Oh, and also it’s my 1500th review on Goodreads (!!!). But I’m just gonna go.
Making Up is the third book in Lucy Parker’s contemporary romance series, following actors and actor adjacents in London’s West End. This time around, we’ve got Trix, Lily’s best friend from the last book, who has just gotten out of an emotionally abusive relationship that isolated her from her support system and did severe structural damage to her self-confidence. She’s a singing acrobat actress, basically, and an accident onstage has lead her to temporarily filling in for the leading lady, with the potential to earn the role permanently.
In the other corner, we’ve got Leo. He’s a make-up artist, and he and Trix go way back, but not in a good way. They went to the same school as teenagers, and a series of events have led to them butting heads ever since. Leo has just been hired on Trix’s show, and not only that, has been assigned to company housing as her flatmate (with two other guys from the show). So they’re forced together quite a bit before finally resolving the mistakes and misunderstandings that lead to their falling out years ago. This, surprisingly, isn’t the end of the conflict. I really appreciate that their unimportant issues were resolved so early so we could get to the real conflict, which is that the specter of Trix’s ex is getting in the way not only of her professional life, but her personal one as well. She’s convinced long term relationships aren’t for her. Meanwhile, she’s falling for Leo and he’s falling for her. And he’s determined to win an important make-up competition that could lead him to a career defining job, but getting that job would mean moving across the pond, and away from Trix.
There is a subplot involving Leo’s sister, Cat, who is vile, and I’m not sure the revelation about why she’s acting that way is enough for me to forgive her for her atrocious behavior. I’m not supportive of taking the thing that’s making you miserable and using it to make other people miserable, too. It’s gross.
As a postscript, the hedgehog gifs are relevant because Leo is caring for his sister’s hedgehog, Reggie, when we meet him, as Cat was in New York on a design internship. Reggie the Hedgie. Any excuse to post cute gifs, basically.
I actually really liked this book, maybe even more than her first one, which everyone else seems to love the most. I still think it was underbaked and needed a hundred more pages. I loved Leo and Trix together, but mostly I really loved the way Parker explores Trix’s trauma, and allows her to recover from it. That sort of self-discovery feels important to me, and it made what could have been an otherwise shallow reading experience feel very much not shallow at all.
Here are a couple of more hedgepig gifs.
So this review has actually been stalling me for a month now, for no particular reason. Maybe I felt pressured to live up to all the cute hedgehog gifs I’ve included below with my words. Or maybe it’s because I’ve since found (thanks to the CBR Facebook group) that Lucy Parker reads Cannonball Read sometimes (!!). No pressure, y’all. Sometimes when I write reviews I pretend authors don’t exist, for just this reason. Oh, and also it’s my 1500th review on Goodreads (!!!). But I’m just gonna go.
Making Up is the third book in Lucy Parker’s contemporary romance series, following actors and actor adjacents in London’s West End. This time around, we’ve got Trix, Lily’s best friend from the last book, who has just gotten out of an emotionally abusive relationship that isolated her from her support system and did severe structural damage to her self-confidence. She’s a singing acrobat actress, basically, and an accident onstage has lead her to temporarily filling in for the leading lady, with the potential to earn the role permanently.
In the other corner, we’ve got Leo. He’s a make-up artist, and he and Trix go way back, but not in a good way. They went to the same school as teenagers, and a series of events have led to them butting heads ever since. Leo has just been hired on Trix’s show, and not only that, has been assigned to company housing as her flatmate (with two other guys from the show). So they’re forced together quite a bit before finally resolving the mistakes and misunderstandings that lead to their falling out years ago. This, surprisingly, isn’t the end of the conflict. I really appreciate that their unimportant issues were resolved so early so we could get to the real conflict, which is that the specter of Trix’s ex is getting in the way not only of her professional life, but her personal one as well. She’s convinced long term relationships aren’t for her. Meanwhile, she’s falling for Leo and he’s falling for her. And he’s determined to win an important make-up competition that could lead him to a career defining job, but getting that job would mean moving across the pond, and away from Trix.
There is a subplot involving Leo’s sister, Cat, who is vile, and I’m not sure the revelation about why she’s acting that way is enough for me to forgive her for her atrocious behavior. I’m not supportive of taking the thing that’s making you miserable and using it to make other people miserable, too. It’s gross.
As a postscript, the hedgehog gifs are relevant because Leo is caring for his sister’s hedgehog, Reggie, when we meet him, as Cat was in New York on a design internship. Reggie the Hedgie. Any excuse to post cute gifs, basically.
I actually really liked this book, maybe even more than her first one, which everyone else seems to love the most. I still think it was underbaked and needed a hundred more pages. I loved Leo and Trix together, but mostly I really loved the way Parker explores Trix’s trauma, and allows her to recover from it. That sort of self-discovery feels important to me, and it made what could have been an otherwise shallow reading experience feel very much not shallow at all.
Here are a couple of more hedgepig gifs.
May 24, 2024
reread 05/2024
Lovely, although the first and second installment are much more beautiful.
4,25 stars.
-------
4.reread 06/2022.
Still beautiful.
This is such an amazing, consistent series.
4.5 stars.
----------------
Different characters, different storyline, same positive attributes as in the first and second installments of the series. Strong, real characters, I could connect and feel with them (not just the main characters, by the way). Beautiful writing style, it's happened very few times that I wanted to highlight so many paragraphes because of the intelligent and intriguing way the author expresses herself. A great series. 4,5 stars.
Lovely, although the first and second installment are much more beautiful.
4,25 stars.
-------
4.reread 06/2022.
Still beautiful.
This is such an amazing, consistent series.
4.5 stars.
----------------
Different characters, different storyline, same positive attributes as in the first and second installments of the series. Strong, real characters, I could connect and feel with them (not just the main characters, by the way). Beautiful writing style, it's happened very few times that I wanted to highlight so many paragraphes because of the intelligent and intriguing way the author expresses herself. A great series. 4,5 stars.
October 10, 2018
I remember SO much about the first in this series.
But somehow Lucy Parker’s second and third offering leave me with a wandering mind, and I either miss her transitions or they are non existent because I constantly feel off balance.
I did feel the chemistry here, but there’s something lacking in the set up. I’m sending this back to he library for a more deserving reader, and heavily considering passing on the 4th
But somehow Lucy Parker’s second and third offering leave me with a wandering mind, and I either miss her transitions or they are non existent because I constantly feel off balance.
I did feel the chemistry here, but there’s something lacking in the set up. I’m sending this back to he library for a more deserving reader, and heavily considering passing on the 4th
October 24, 2018
This is third in a series. Characters from the first two are present, but not overwhelmingly so, in this one. I recommend reading them in order, but mostly because I think the first two books are awesome.
I wasn't as engaged with this one as its predecessors. Which is weird because I liked how well the backstory was worked into the present; as we learn of why they're so antagonistic to each other you can totally see how it happened and it kind of breaks your heart—for both of them (which is way better than when it's all one person's fault).
I suppose my biggest problem is that I don't have a lot of patience with those who give bad people power (whether over others or just themselves). The heart of Trix' difficulties is that she has let a horrible ex rob her of her confidence. So most of the story is her getting back to herself. And while I have lots of sympathy for her problem, and would have no hesitation helping all I could if she were a friend or someone I cared about, I don't find it particularly engaging as a protagonist in a romantic story.
Which leaves Leo and I didn't find him terribly engaging, either. While he's undoubtedly good for Trix, he .
Parker is a decent author so I was never tempted to just stop and it warrants a solid three stars. Still, this is nowhere near as engaging is the other books in the series so I'm a bit disappointed.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes so this edges into the middle of my steam tolerance, though not by much. I ended up not paying them much attention, though, because I wasn't much engaged with either lead character.
I wasn't as engaged with this one as its predecessors. Which is weird because I liked how well the backstory was worked into the present; as we learn of why they're so antagonistic to each other you can totally see how it happened and it kind of breaks your heart—for both of them (which is way better than when it's all one person's fault).
I suppose my biggest problem is that I don't have a lot of patience with those who give bad people power (whether over others or just themselves). The heart of Trix' difficulties is that she has let a horrible ex rob her of her confidence. So most of the story is her getting back to herself. And while I have lots of sympathy for her problem, and would have no hesitation helping all I could if she were a friend or someone I cared about, I don't find it particularly engaging as a protagonist in a romantic story.
Which leaves Leo and I didn't find him terribly engaging, either. While he's undoubtedly good for Trix, he .
Parker is a decent author so I was never tempted to just stop and it warrants a solid three stars. Still, this is nowhere near as engaging is the other books in the series so I'm a bit disappointed.
A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes so this edges into the middle of my steam tolerance, though not by much. I ended up not paying them much attention, though, because I wasn't much engaged with either lead character.
October 11, 2018
I wish I had more stars for this book! This is an amazing love story with two characters that have shown up in other books in the series. They’ve been in the background waiting to find love and Lucy Parker helped them find it in the best way.
Our hero is a makeup artist who comes to work on the show our heroine is in. (BTW I learned so much about the London stage in these books. Brilliant research!)
Our hero and heroine have been enemies for years so they did not want to spend time together. (Although their witty banter is hilarious!) Soon sparks are flying, and not just of the angry variety. 💥❤️🤩
Our hero is a makeup artist who comes to work on the show our heroine is in. (BTW I learned so much about the London stage in these books. Brilliant research!)
Our hero and heroine have been enemies for years so they did not want to spend time together. (Although their witty banter is hilarious!) Soon sparks are flying, and not just of the angry variety. 💥❤️🤩
December 30, 2019
H/h knew each other at school when they were teenagers, but an overheard remark and some cruel gossip nipped their romance in the bud. Every encounter since high school has been snippy and hurtful until they find themselves working together on the same West End production.
Heroine is a performer, bff to the heroine of Pretty Face. Hero is a make up artist. The story opens with the heroine witnessing a painful fall (metaphor alert!) of the lead in their Cirque du Soleil-type performance. She is tapped to replace her and heroine has a panic attack. Her confidence has been shaken since her breakup from an emotionally abusive boyfriend.
Hero is not in a good place, either. His career has suffered a setback because a famous actor broke out into a rash from the products he used on his face. His younger sister is interning with the show and is being a bitchy to everyone.
The H/h clear up their misunderstandings about halfway through the story and begin a sexual relationship. The wedding of the H/h from Pretty face is also featured. The hero wins a make up contest. The heroine strives to get her groove back.
There's a lot going on, but I never felt the characters truly came into focus for me. We're told the heroine loves to perform, but we never experience it - just her anxiety. Same with the hero - I don't know why he was a makeup artist. Or why the sister had a pet hedgehog beyond the its metaphorical use.
I did believe the romance and I do think the H/h were right for each other. The epilogue is lovely. This just wasn't as compelling as the first two stories in the series.
Heroine is a performer, bff to the heroine of Pretty Face. Hero is a make up artist. The story opens with the heroine witnessing a painful fall (metaphor alert!) of the lead in their Cirque du Soleil-type performance. She is tapped to replace her and heroine has a panic attack. Her confidence has been shaken since her breakup from an emotionally abusive boyfriend.
Hero is not in a good place, either. His career has suffered a setback because a famous actor broke out into a rash from the products he used on his face. His younger sister is interning with the show and is being a bitchy to everyone.
The H/h clear up their misunderstandings about halfway through the story and begin a sexual relationship. The wedding of the H/h from Pretty face is also featured. The hero wins a make up contest. The heroine strives to get her groove back.
There's a lot going on, but I never felt the characters truly came into focus for me. We're told the heroine loves to perform, but we never experience it - just her anxiety. Same with the hero - I don't know why he was a makeup artist. Or why the sister had a pet hedgehog beyond the its metaphorical use.
I did believe the romance and I do think the H/h were right for each other. The epilogue is lovely. This just wasn't as compelling as the first two stories in the series.
February 15, 2019
Another good one in Lucy Parker´s London celebrities series.
I´m really enjoying these books and I love the theme, the theatre life and everything that goes with it.
Trix makes an appearance in the second book of the series and here she gets her own story.
Looking forward to the next one to come out.
I´m really enjoying these books and I love the theme, the theatre life and everything that goes with it.
Trix makes an appearance in the second book of the series and here she gets her own story.
Looking forward to the next one to come out.
June 5, 2018
Another fabulous Lucy Parker read, a bit more somber than the previous ones. But I was totally feelin' the lurve!
December 24, 2018
Here are some of my thoughts:
• I solidly like it. There are some parts that are frustrating with the miscommunication issue from their youth that translated to 10 years of hatred and Trix being so avoidant and unsure.
• However, even though I’m not a fan of 2nd chance romance, it kinda worked out because in their youth, they didn’t even officially started dating, and were both going through their own issues, so it’s rather right that they end up together now they’ve both matured and lived through their own life. With Leo giving up rugby and finding his own passion in makeup and Trix forming a wonderful, lasting friendship with Lily at her new school. They’ve both lived their own lives since high school.
• And even though Trix was hugely frustrating at times, I do eventually become proud of her. Her anxiety and fears are valid after the emotional abuse she went through, so I’m glad to see her finally moving forward and doing things for herself. She has gotten stronger and more confident by the end. Her character development is great and I’m happy for her.
• Present Leo is actually truly sweet. Trix has made the relationship angsty at times with her being afraid of a committed relationship after what she went through in her last relationship, but Leo here was steadfast and honest and sweet throughout the whole thing. I’m glad that the author chose not to create unnecessary drama and angst with an already angsty setup/background.
• It’s great to see Luc and Lily again, and see their wedding <3
Overall, I like this. 3 stars. Admittedly, it’s my least favorite in the series so far, but it’s still sweet.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
• I solidly like it. There are some parts that are frustrating with the miscommunication issue from their youth that translated to 10 years of hatred and Trix being so avoidant and unsure.
• However, even though I’m not a fan of 2nd chance romance, it kinda worked out because in their youth, they didn’t even officially started dating, and were both going through their own issues, so it’s rather right that they end up together now they’ve both matured and lived through their own life. With Leo giving up rugby and finding his own passion in makeup and Trix forming a wonderful, lasting friendship with Lily at her new school. They’ve both lived their own lives since high school.
• And even though Trix was hugely frustrating at times, I do eventually become proud of her. Her anxiety and fears are valid after the emotional abuse she went through, so I’m glad to see her finally moving forward and doing things for herself. She has gotten stronger and more confident by the end. Her character development is great and I’m happy for her.
• Present Leo is actually truly sweet. Trix has made the relationship angsty at times with her being afraid of a committed relationship after what she went through in her last relationship, but Leo here was steadfast and honest and sweet throughout the whole thing. I’m glad that the author chose not to create unnecessary drama and angst with an already angsty setup/background.
• It’s great to see Luc and Lily again, and see their wedding <3
Overall, I like this. 3 stars. Admittedly, it’s my least favorite in the series so far, but it’s still sweet.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
May 26, 2018
Original review: The Romance Corner
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*4.5 Stars!*
Lucy Parker takes us back to the West End in , the third book in the London Celebrities series. With the lead performer in the hospital recovering from a nasty fall and the understudy with one foot out the door, Trix Lane is next to take over as the lead in The Festival of Masks. But a lack of confidence has her doubting her abilities and to make matters worse, the new makeup artist on set is none other than her childhood nemesis, Leo Magasiva. Not only will these two be working together, they will also be living under one roof and it’s only a matter of time before one of them crosses the line…and once they cross that line, there’s no going back.
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Making Up since I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand, but I trust Lucy Parker to deliver an amazing romance and SHE DID JUST THAT! Making Up is yet another enemies-to-lover romance by Parker, but this time there’s a bit of a second-chance dashed into the mix. I really enjoyed the flashbacks and being able to see how Trix and Leo first met and how their whole hatred for one another began. The banter between these two was hilarious and neither held back when it came to throwing jabs at each other. Lily and Luc are still my favorite couple, but the romance between Trix and Leo is definitely up there as one of my favorite romances for this year. There was so much passion and heart between these two and even though I was entertained by their back-and-forth banter, I loved it even more when Trix and Leo finally put their difference aside and just gave into their feelings for one another.
I found myself instantly connecting with Trix. Once a carefree and spirited performer, Trix loses her self-confidence after being in a toxic relationship and starts to second guess her abilities as a performer. Throughout this story, Trix does a lot of self-reflecting and comes to the realization that she is worth something and no one can tell her otherwise. Leo is the perfect match for Trix. He’s creative, patient and caring. He supported Trix and helped her to realize how good of a performer she really was. He grounded her and provided the stability that she needed in order for her to find herself again.
One of my favorite parts of this book was Lily and Luc’s wedding. MY BABIES TIED THE KNOT AND NOW THEY WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER! Seeing these two together just made me want to read Pretty Face all over again. Another favorite part was the epilogue. Y’all, let me tell you…I was not prepared for the feels in this epilogue. IT WAS SO ADORABLE! Lucy is really out here giving us all the happily-ever-afters and my heart was so overwhelmed by it.
Making Up has easily become one of my favorite reads for this year and I swear the book gods heard all of our pleas because this series is not over yet! I can’t wait to see what story Lucy Parker brings to the West End world next and hopefully we get a chance to catch up with some of my favorite West End performers in the books to come.
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*4.5 Stars!*
Lucy Parker takes us back to the West End in , the third book in the London Celebrities series. With the lead performer in the hospital recovering from a nasty fall and the understudy with one foot out the door, Trix Lane is next to take over as the lead in The Festival of Masks. But a lack of confidence has her doubting her abilities and to make matters worse, the new makeup artist on set is none other than her childhood nemesis, Leo Magasiva. Not only will these two be working together, they will also be living under one roof and it’s only a matter of time before one of them crosses the line…and once they cross that line, there’s no going back.
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Making Up since I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand, but I trust Lucy Parker to deliver an amazing romance and SHE DID JUST THAT! Making Up is yet another enemies-to-lover romance by Parker, but this time there’s a bit of a second-chance dashed into the mix. I really enjoyed the flashbacks and being able to see how Trix and Leo first met and how their whole hatred for one another began. The banter between these two was hilarious and neither held back when it came to throwing jabs at each other. Lily and Luc are still my favorite couple, but the romance between Trix and Leo is definitely up there as one of my favorite romances for this year. There was so much passion and heart between these two and even though I was entertained by their back-and-forth banter, I loved it even more when Trix and Leo finally put their difference aside and just gave into their feelings for one another.
I found myself instantly connecting with Trix. Once a carefree and spirited performer, Trix loses her self-confidence after being in a toxic relationship and starts to second guess her abilities as a performer. Throughout this story, Trix does a lot of self-reflecting and comes to the realization that she is worth something and no one can tell her otherwise. Leo is the perfect match for Trix. He’s creative, patient and caring. He supported Trix and helped her to realize how good of a performer she really was. He grounded her and provided the stability that she needed in order for her to find herself again.
One of my favorite parts of this book was Lily and Luc’s wedding. MY BABIES TIED THE KNOT AND NOW THEY WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER! Seeing these two together just made me want to read Pretty Face all over again. Another favorite part was the epilogue. Y’all, let me tell you…I was not prepared for the feels in this epilogue. IT WAS SO ADORABLE! Lucy is really out here giving us all the happily-ever-afters and my heart was so overwhelmed by it.
Making Up has easily become one of my favorite reads for this year and I swear the book gods heard all of our pleas because this series is not over yet! I can’t wait to see what story Lucy Parker brings to the West End world next and hopefully we get a chance to catch up with some of my favorite West End performers in the books to come.
June 9, 2018
I almost DNF'd this one. The previous two books were great, but the romance in this one felt flat and undercooked. I like the characters a lot individually, but their interactions with each other were childish and forced and there was little-to-no chemistry between them. The book kept telling me these two belonged together but it never quite showed it. I honestly don't know what happened. There's even a cringe-worthy babylogue at the end that was so out of place it made me groan out loud. I was more invested in the secondary character, whose character story somewhat mirrored the heroine's. It's a shame because this could have been a good exploration of recovery from abuse and how the loss of self-confidence can be so damaging and hard to get through, and although this and may other aspects of the book felt realistic and touching, the whole thing never quite came together.
May 28, 2018
I highly recommend this author if you have yet to try her. This is the third book I’ve read by her and they have all been adorable and sweet and sexy. In Making Up, we return to the theater, but in a burlesque/acrobatic show. The Festival of Masks is a little bit of everything – lewd humor, amazing aerial skills, singing, dancing and it’s a very popular show. When one of the lead aerialists gets badly injured during a performance, Trix, our pink-haired heroine, gets called on to replace her. Trix lost a lot of confidence in the past few years. Due to being in a relationship with a man who put her down constantly among other things, she has lost some of that self-esteem. She wants this role, but she is scared to death.
Leo is our hero. A former rugby player, he is now a renowned make-up artist, although his passion lies in special effect make-up. Unfortunately, during a previous big job, a big star had a huge cosmetic allergic reaction to his make-up, and he is now in need of work. There is a make-up job open in the Festival of Masks, and he agrees to it, even though he knows he is to be reunited with his former flame, Trix.
Trix and Leo have a romantic past – but it ended after miscommunication and harsh words. But employment brings them back together – so we have a second chance at love trope, and even better, enemies to lovers. These two do not like each other due to years of bad feelings that have built up.
Beatrix Lane. The extremely short bane of Leo’s existence
Although they give each other a really hard time at the beginning, Leo realizes that Trix really needs some support in her new acting role. Underneath the sarcastic banter, Leo is such a good guy. He gently and quietly starts to be her support system, as their relationship slow burns into a romance. They spend more and more time together (doesn’t hurt that Leo ends up renting a room in Trix’s apartment) and their slow burn romance does a 180 into sex and it’s so cute.
She was too exhausted and satisfied to really focus on the reality that kept knocking at the edges of her brain, that this was Leo. This was her and Leo.
He released his breath in a sigh, turning his head lazily to kiss her forehead.
“God,” he said, and she tensed. Perhaps he could offer some weighty words of wisdom that would throw some light on how they’d ended up here.
“I’m starving.”
Simplicity, thy name is man.
They truly love each other, but that darn messy past and Trix’s previous abusive relationship will pop up to make their romance journey a bit rocky.
“Leo?” Her voice was quiet.
“Mmm?”
“Is this going to be a problem? What happened tonight?”
His hand tightened on her. At last, he said, “Do you regret it?”
Her breath, still faint and ticklish against his skin. “No. But I don’t… I can’t—”
He closed his eyes. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, Trix.” It was the only thing he could say.
It was also a total bloody lie.
It was them.
It was going to be completely fucking complicated.
Besides Trix and Leo, we have an outstanding cast of supporting characters. Jono, Trix’s best friend in the cast is a lot of fun, and causes Leo a great deal of jealously. Trix has a good group of girlfriends and guy roommates that made me smile.
Even two very cranky characters, Trix’s boss Marco…
Somewhere, even the Sith Emperor was looking at this guy’s management style and thinking “Bit harsh.”
…and Leo’s attitude-to-the-max sister, gave this story a lot. I also loved the backdrop of this theater performance. The author does a great job putting the reader in the theater.
It’s a book full of delightful characters, a super sexy romance, and just a fun story. I really recommend this author to everyone.
Grade: B+
Leo is our hero. A former rugby player, he is now a renowned make-up artist, although his passion lies in special effect make-up. Unfortunately, during a previous big job, a big star had a huge cosmetic allergic reaction to his make-up, and he is now in need of work. There is a make-up job open in the Festival of Masks, and he agrees to it, even though he knows he is to be reunited with his former flame, Trix.
Trix and Leo have a romantic past – but it ended after miscommunication and harsh words. But employment brings them back together – so we have a second chance at love trope, and even better, enemies to lovers. These two do not like each other due to years of bad feelings that have built up.
Beatrix Lane. The extremely short bane of Leo’s existence
Although they give each other a really hard time at the beginning, Leo realizes that Trix really needs some support in her new acting role. Underneath the sarcastic banter, Leo is such a good guy. He gently and quietly starts to be her support system, as their relationship slow burns into a romance. They spend more and more time together (doesn’t hurt that Leo ends up renting a room in Trix’s apartment) and their slow burn romance does a 180 into sex and it’s so cute.
She was too exhausted and satisfied to really focus on the reality that kept knocking at the edges of her brain, that this was Leo. This was her and Leo.
He released his breath in a sigh, turning his head lazily to kiss her forehead.
“God,” he said, and she tensed. Perhaps he could offer some weighty words of wisdom that would throw some light on how they’d ended up here.
“I’m starving.”
Simplicity, thy name is man.
They truly love each other, but that darn messy past and Trix’s previous abusive relationship will pop up to make their romance journey a bit rocky.
“Leo?” Her voice was quiet.
“Mmm?”
“Is this going to be a problem? What happened tonight?”
His hand tightened on her. At last, he said, “Do you regret it?”
Her breath, still faint and ticklish against his skin. “No. But I don’t… I can’t—”
He closed his eyes. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, Trix.” It was the only thing he could say.
It was also a total bloody lie.
It was them.
It was going to be completely fucking complicated.
Besides Trix and Leo, we have an outstanding cast of supporting characters. Jono, Trix’s best friend in the cast is a lot of fun, and causes Leo a great deal of jealously. Trix has a good group of girlfriends and guy roommates that made me smile.
Even two very cranky characters, Trix’s boss Marco…
Somewhere, even the Sith Emperor was looking at this guy’s management style and thinking “Bit harsh.”
…and Leo’s attitude-to-the-max sister, gave this story a lot. I also loved the backdrop of this theater performance. The author does a great job putting the reader in the theater.
It’s a book full of delightful characters, a super sexy romance, and just a fun story. I really recommend this author to everyone.
Grade: B+
June 1, 2018
Amazing standalone in well written series by amazingly talented Lucy Parker.
This was above anything very sweet story with true and relatable characters.
Get your copy:
❤️Amazon US: https://goo.gl/CTLJJd
❤️ Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/EgCUHC
❤️ B & N: https://goo.gl/KmWz8p
❤️ Kobo: https://goo.gl/KeXKig
There is no drama with lead couple except their sarcastic banter even though they have some past issues. This was extremely cute and sweet read. Perfectly amazing hate to love story.
We meet Trix in the last book as Lily best friend. So I was pretty excited for her story. And of course it was as I could imagine very very good.
Things I loved the best;
❤️ banter
❤️ steamy scenes; there are more of them in this then previous books
❤️ epilogue is everything
❤️ Lily and Luc's wedding
❤️ Harry Potter references
https://www.pinterest.com/antoneladre...
I hope next book is out soon so I don't have to wait another year. I will read anything Lucy writes.
Until then if you are looking for romance book that will put smile on your face this series is it. Choose one or why not all and enjoy!
October 9, 2019
You can find this review in English below.
Lucy Parker consigue, de nuevo, transportarnos a las bambalinas de Londres en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. Esta vez para asistir a un espectáculo circense, sí, como lo lees. ¿Atrevido o qué? Es uno de los puntos fuertes de esta autora: el marco en el que ambienta sus historias. Osado y documentado se convierte en otro personaje más de la trama. Y funciona.
Los primeros capítulos han rebosado frescura. Muy sutilmente nos ha ido poniendo en situación, presentándonos personajes, mostrándonos el alma del show, dándonos pequeñas pistas de cómo funcionan las cosas y sobre todo, nos ha pintado a sus protagonistas en toda su gloriosa y divertida mordacidad. Ha sido un auténtico, genuino y abrasivo ejemplo de cómo se comportan dos enemigos.
Trix y Leo tienen pasado con mayúsculas. Y decir que la cosa acabó mal es quedarse cortos. Lo peor, sin embargo, es que siguen topándose el uno con el otro cuando menos se lo esperan porque, ya se sabe, el mundo, o en este caso Londres, es un pañuelo.
Pero esta vez va a ser algo más que toparse. Esta vez van a tener que trabajar en el mismo edificio y en el mismo espectáculo… y van a saltar chispas.
Es una vez metidos en faena y con las bases de la historia y el romance sentadas, cuando todo toma un giro hacia lo mundano. Entra en escena el melodrama y la historia pasa de excepcional a común.
Los problemas con los que la autora carga a sus personajes son realistas y complicados, pero este ha sido un caso de contar más que de ver y después de la tropecienta vez que los protagonistas no consiguen llevar su relación más allá del abundante (y torpe, si tengo que ser sincera) sexo es cuando la historia empieza a perderme. Y ya no consigue recuperarme. La fuente de conflicto ha sonado muy NA, un género que no me atrae.
Pero el potencial estaba ahí. Y puede ser que mis expectativas estuviesen por las nubes. De todas formas esta autora sigue siendo una de mis favoritas, su trabajo es original y fuera de lo cotidiano y si aún no has leído nada de ella te sugiero que empieces por Act Like It y Pretty Face. Son geniales.
e-ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley.
Again, Lucy Parker transports us to London´s backstage in the blink of an eye. This time to attend a circus show, yes, you read it right… daring, isn´t it? That´s one of her strong points: her stories´ settings. Bold and documented, they become another character in the plot. And it works.
The first chapters have overflowed freshness. Very subtly, she got us into the scene, introducing her characters, showing us the show´s soul, giving us small clues of how things work and, above all, she portrayed her MC´s in all their glorious and funny mordancy. It has been an authentic, genuine and abrasive example of how two truly enemies should behave.
Trix and Leo have past with a capital P. And to say that things ended badly between them is an understatement. The worst thing, however, is that they keep running into each other when they least expect it because, you know, it´s a smallworld London.
But this time they are going to be more than bumping into each other. This time they will have to work in the same building and in the same show ... and sparks will fly.
It is once the foundations of both, the story and the romance, are laid and in progress, when everything takes a turn towards the mundane. The melodrama enters the scene and the story goes from exceptional to common.
The problems the author burdens her characters with are realistic and complicated, but this has been a case of telling more than showing and after the umpteen time that the MC´s fail to take their relationship beyond the abundant (and awkward, if I have to be sincere) sex was when the story lost me. The source of angst had reminiscence of NA, a genre that does not appeal to me these days.
But the potential was there. And it may be that my expectations were sky high. Anyway, this author is still one of my favorites, her work is original and out of the ordinary and if you have not read anything by her I suggest you to start with Act Like It and Pretty Face. They are fabulous.
Lucy Parker consigue, de nuevo, transportarnos a las bambalinas de Londres en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. Esta vez para asistir a un espectáculo circense, sí, como lo lees. ¿Atrevido o qué? Es uno de los puntos fuertes de esta autora: el marco en el que ambienta sus historias. Osado y documentado se convierte en otro personaje más de la trama. Y funciona.
Los primeros capítulos han rebosado frescura. Muy sutilmente nos ha ido poniendo en situación, presentándonos personajes, mostrándonos el alma del show, dándonos pequeñas pistas de cómo funcionan las cosas y sobre todo, nos ha pintado a sus protagonistas en toda su gloriosa y divertida mordacidad. Ha sido un auténtico, genuino y abrasivo ejemplo de cómo se comportan dos enemigos.
Trix y Leo tienen pasado con mayúsculas. Y decir que la cosa acabó mal es quedarse cortos. Lo peor, sin embargo, es que siguen topándose el uno con el otro cuando menos se lo esperan porque, ya se sabe, el mundo, o en este caso Londres, es un pañuelo.
Pero esta vez va a ser algo más que toparse. Esta vez van a tener que trabajar en el mismo edificio y en el mismo espectáculo… y van a saltar chispas.
Es una vez metidos en faena y con las bases de la historia y el romance sentadas, cuando todo toma un giro hacia lo mundano. Entra en escena el melodrama y la historia pasa de excepcional a común.
Los problemas con los que la autora carga a sus personajes son realistas y complicados, pero este ha sido un caso de contar más que de ver y después de la tropecienta vez que los protagonistas no consiguen llevar su relación más allá del abundante (y torpe, si tengo que ser sincera) sexo es cuando la historia empieza a perderme. Y ya no consigue recuperarme. La fuente de conflicto ha sonado muy NA, un género que no me atrae.
Pero el potencial estaba ahí. Y puede ser que mis expectativas estuviesen por las nubes. De todas formas esta autora sigue siendo una de mis favoritas, su trabajo es original y fuera de lo cotidiano y si aún no has leído nada de ella te sugiero que empieces por Act Like It y Pretty Face. Son geniales.
e-ARC kindly provided by Carina Press via Netgalley.
Again, Lucy Parker transports us to London´s backstage in the blink of an eye. This time to attend a circus show, yes, you read it right… daring, isn´t it? That´s one of her strong points: her stories´ settings. Bold and documented, they become another character in the plot. And it works.
The first chapters have overflowed freshness. Very subtly, she got us into the scene, introducing her characters, showing us the show´s soul, giving us small clues of how things work and, above all, she portrayed her MC´s in all their glorious and funny mordancy. It has been an authentic, genuine and abrasive example of how two truly enemies should behave.
Trix and Leo have past with a capital P. And to say that things ended badly between them is an understatement. The worst thing, however, is that they keep running into each other when they least expect it because, you know, it´s a small
But this time they are going to be more than bumping into each other. This time they will have to work in the same building and in the same show ... and sparks will fly.
It is once the foundations of both, the story and the romance, are laid and in progress, when everything takes a turn towards the mundane. The melodrama enters the scene and the story goes from exceptional to common.
The problems the author burdens her characters with are realistic and complicated, but this has been a case of telling more than showing and after the umpteen time that the MC´s fail to take their relationship beyond the abundant (and awkward, if I have to be sincere) sex was when the story lost me. The source of angst had reminiscence of NA, a genre that does not appeal to me these days.
But the potential was there. And it may be that my expectations were sky high. Anyway, this author is still one of my favorites, her work is original and out of the ordinary and if you have not read anything by her I suggest you to start with Act Like It and Pretty Face. They are fabulous.
March 3, 2019
It's been over a year since I last read any romance, and maybe I should have waited a bit more. But I quite liked the first two books in this series and I enjoyed Lucy Parker's writing, so I took a leap of faith. Well, if it wasn't a steep way down.
The misunderstanding and the miscommunication between the protagonists didn't work for me. The mean-girl side character (Leo's colleague, her name eludes me), didn't work for me either.
But what disappointed me the most was the underexplored and superficial way abuse was portrayed in the book. Trix and Cat were victims of abuse (it felt a lot like coercive control in Trix's case) but neither of them elicited much empathy in me. Which is heartbreaking.
The misunderstanding and the miscommunication between the protagonists didn't work for me. The mean-girl side character (Leo's colleague, her name eludes me), didn't work for me either.
But what disappointed me the most was the underexplored and superficial way abuse was portrayed in the book. Trix and Cat were victims of abuse (it felt a lot like coercive control in Trix's case) but neither of them elicited much empathy in me. Which is heartbreaking.
June 3, 2018
This was sweet and good! So far Lucy Parker is one of those authors I appreciate intellectually more than emotionally, but she knows what she's doing.
Fulfills "Enemies to Lovers" at The Ripped Bodice Bingo
Fulfills "Enemies to Lovers" at The Ripped Bodice Bingo
May 19, 2019
Still lovely, still funny, not as wonderful as the first two in the series.
May 28, 2018
Another winner from Lucy Parker.
Once again set in London's theatreland, this story concerns an acrobat, Trix Lane and a make-up artist Leo Magasiva.
Trix is playing one of the key supporting roles in a daring production called The Festival of Masks, part-burlesque, part rock concert, part carnival, part dark fairytale and maybe a leetle bit of a smutty night out (according to one critic). When the lead aerial performer loses concentration and breaks her arm in a nasty fall, live on stage, Trix as second understudy is suddenly catapulted into the role. What would have thrilled Trix a few years ago now fills her with terror, a relationship with a manipulative and controlling older man has left her doubting her own abilities. Just when the day couldn't get any worse, her school-girl crush, Leo, the boy who devastated her, turns up, having been given the role as make-up artist to The Festival of Masks. Oh, and he's got his bitchy little sister a dream internship with the wardrobe department and the stage manager Marco Ross is a bully!
Leo's career is in tatters after an actor willfully neglected to mention an allergy to certain facial products, his little sister has come back after a year in New York at school a changed woman, he is forced to share theatre accommodation with three strangers and the woman he blames for the end of his promising career in rugby is one of the stars of the show he is working on.
This could have been an angst and hate-filled novel where Trix and Leo fight for 75% of the book. Luckily, that's not the sort of book Lucy Parker writes. Instead what we see is two antagonists forced to work together and share a flat (of course) quickly settling their differences.
But it isn't all plain sailing. Leo's sister is like the Wicked Witch, Trix is struggling with self-doubt and can't do some of the more difficult acrobatics, there is a reality TV crew filming backstage at the show and they have manufactured a romance between Trix and her co-star (and friend) Jono.
On his part, Leo is desperate to retrieve his career and hopes to win a special effects make-up competition being held in London which might give him the opportunity to work in the USA. Despite his impressive good looks and fit body Leo is insecure and suffers fits of jealousy and his little sister is clearly unhappy but won't open up to him.
This book also revisits Lily and Luc from Pretty Face who are getting married at a fairytale castle.
I'm adding Leo to my book boyfriends. I mean apart from the good looks, the hot bod, the humour, the kindness and the drawing ability the man can do your make-up!!!
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Same sparky humour as before AND a cute hedgehog - what more could you ask?
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Once again set in London's theatreland, this story concerns an acrobat, Trix Lane and a make-up artist Leo Magasiva.
Trix is playing one of the key supporting roles in a daring production called The Festival of Masks, part-burlesque, part rock concert, part carnival, part dark fairytale and maybe a leetle bit of a smutty night out (according to one critic). When the lead aerial performer loses concentration and breaks her arm in a nasty fall, live on stage, Trix as second understudy is suddenly catapulted into the role. What would have thrilled Trix a few years ago now fills her with terror, a relationship with a manipulative and controlling older man has left her doubting her own abilities. Just when the day couldn't get any worse, her school-girl crush, Leo, the boy who devastated her, turns up, having been given the role as make-up artist to The Festival of Masks. Oh, and he's got his bitchy little sister a dream internship with the wardrobe department and the stage manager Marco Ross is a bully!
Leo's career is in tatters after an actor willfully neglected to mention an allergy to certain facial products, his little sister has come back after a year in New York at school a changed woman, he is forced to share theatre accommodation with three strangers and the woman he blames for the end of his promising career in rugby is one of the stars of the show he is working on.
This could have been an angst and hate-filled novel where Trix and Leo fight for 75% of the book. Luckily, that's not the sort of book Lucy Parker writes. Instead what we see is two antagonists forced to work together and share a flat (of course) quickly settling their differences.
But it isn't all plain sailing. Leo's sister is like the Wicked Witch, Trix is struggling with self-doubt and can't do some of the more difficult acrobatics, there is a reality TV crew filming backstage at the show and they have manufactured a romance between Trix and her co-star (and friend) Jono.
On his part, Leo is desperate to retrieve his career and hopes to win a special effects make-up competition being held in London which might give him the opportunity to work in the USA. Despite his impressive good looks and fit body Leo is insecure and suffers fits of jealousy and his little sister is clearly unhappy but won't open up to him.
This book also revisits Lily and Luc from Pretty Face who are getting married at a fairytale castle.
I'm adding Leo to my book boyfriends. I mean apart from the good looks, the hot bod, the humour, the kindness and the drawing ability the man can do your make-up!!!
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Same sparky humour as before AND a cute hedgehog - what more could you ask?
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 30, 2018
I’m feeling the warm and fuzzies right now because this read was such a delight in terms of characterisation and dialogue. Lucy Parker has delivered on her reputation of the previous two books, maintaining quality of plot, writing and excelling at dialogue. I added a new virtual shelf thanks to this book ‘dialogue dream’.
Trix the pink-haired, petite acrobat is a prickly chip-on-the-shoulder character at first glance. I wondered if that was how it was going to play out throughout but actually you just need to scratch under the surface with Trix. I loved how getting to know her, revealed a deeper person, complex but more open. Her inner monologue was hilarious.
“We do not squee over anything to do with this man, ovaries. Rein in the hormones immediately.”
The hate is strong when Leo, her nemesis of ten years appears but how I revelled in their exchanges. Such fun, such sniggering whilst reading and I felt utterly entertained.
“Their usual style was to cross paths, cross swords, and then cross their fingers that it was a long time before they saw each other again. Spending time under the same roof never did much for their respective blood pressure.”
These two had blistering chemistry and I liked everything about their togetherness. I also really appreciated how the plot progressed without unnecessary drama, that said it’s still quite an eventful story.
I did feel a sense of slowness midway-ish for some reason, this could have been my mood or not but that explains my rating. However, when these two were on, they dragged me seamlessly sentence to sentence with no sense of passing time.
I was super excited when this third book in the London Celebrities series emerged as coming and I feel excited now after reading it. I want all my friends that are fellow Lucy Parker fans to read it.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Trix the pink-haired, petite acrobat is a prickly chip-on-the-shoulder character at first glance. I wondered if that was how it was going to play out throughout but actually you just need to scratch under the surface with Trix. I loved how getting to know her, revealed a deeper person, complex but more open. Her inner monologue was hilarious.
“We do not squee over anything to do with this man, ovaries. Rein in the hormones immediately.”
The hate is strong when Leo, her nemesis of ten years appears but how I revelled in their exchanges. Such fun, such sniggering whilst reading and I felt utterly entertained.
“Their usual style was to cross paths, cross swords, and then cross their fingers that it was a long time before they saw each other again. Spending time under the same roof never did much for their respective blood pressure.”
These two had blistering chemistry and I liked everything about their togetherness. I also really appreciated how the plot progressed without unnecessary drama, that said it’s still quite an eventful story.
I did feel a sense of slowness midway-ish for some reason, this could have been my mood or not but that explains my rating. However, when these two were on, they dragged me seamlessly sentence to sentence with no sense of passing time.
I was super excited when this third book in the London Celebrities series emerged as coming and I feel excited now after reading it. I want all my friends that are fellow Lucy Parker fans to read it.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
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