Act Like it by Lucy Parker Series: London Celebrities #1
Published by Carina Press on 2015
Pages: 295
Format: eBook
Goodreads
This just in: romance takes center stage as West End theatre's Richard Troy steps out with none other than castmate Elaine Graham!
Richard Troy used to be the hottest actor in London, but the only thing firing up lately is his temper. We all love to love a bad boy, but Richard's antics have made him Enemy Number One, breaking the hearts of fans across the city.
Have the tides turned? Has English rose Lainie Graham made him into a new man?
Sources say the mismatched pair has been spotted at multiple events, arm in arm and hip to hip. From fits of jealousy to longing looks and heated whispers, onlookers are stunned by this blooming romance. Could the rumors be right?
Could this unlikely romance be the real thing? Or are these gifted stage actors playing us all?
Part of my resolution this year is to ensure I review my favourites, the books that I adore the most. No matter how short the review, I need to leave something.
I have read this more times than I count. In all honesty, I need to reign myself in with review or I will give you the entire book!
Lainie is the stage’s darling. Recently split up from the odious Will, she has to spend her nights pretending to be in love with the aforementioned toad, but interest in the play is dying out. The producers come up with a plan to boost sales – she should start up a fake relationship with the shows star Richard.
Richard is the main reason the play is failing to attract sales. A diva of the highest order, his petulant arrogance is starting wear a little thin on theatre goers and they are refusing to pay the ticket charge. If anyone can redeem his fading reputation it is Lainie, the princess of the stage. The only question is whether or not their acting skills can hide just how much they detest each other…
There is so much to love about this book. Richard is a redeemable asshat and I loved every second of him on the page. He is snarky that I laughed at the majority of his dialogue (the banter between him and his agent is fabulous). Even his romantic dialogue, when the fake romance invariably starts becoming more real, has an edge of cynicism. He is absolutely wonderful as a hero and he gets better and better as the story goes on.
Lainie is a wonderful heroine. She is the master of her own destiny and I am all for it. Not only does she manage to deal with the horrible Will, she turns out to be a wonderful person throughout the book. The fete for the cancer charity is one of my favourite parts of the book .. the scene with the veg (LOL!!)
The darkest moment is well dealt with – it isn’t high angst but it is enough.
A well written, funny, romantic book, filled with well-rounded characters and a great plot. I recommend.
Thanks for the review.