Review: Act Like It by Lucy Parker

Title: Act Like It
Author: Lucy Parker

Date of publication: 30 Nov 2015

Genre / Themes: Romance / Theatre actors / British

Author's links: Website / Twitter / Goodreads
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My rating: 4 Stars

Blurb

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?

Review 

It's Ms Parker debut novel and what a delightful surprise it has been! Funny and sweet, well written with a strong British and theatre flavour, this book is perfect happy, pick-me up read for when the times get rough.

I've seen this book talked a lot in the romance community and I'm always on the look out for witty romantic comedies, so I decided to give it a try and I'm so happy I did.

The story is told from dual POV and flows with great ease. It is so distinctly British in everything that I had trouble with some references but nevertheless enjoyed it very much.

In essence, it's a simple fake couple to real couple story but wittily and engaginly told which makes it a great entertainment. This may not be my favourite romanc trope but it was refreshingly done here and I quite enjoyed it. It was coupled with an element of enemies-to-lovers which just made it even more delicious.

Elaine was the type of heroine I absolutely love - strong and smart and independant and witty and at the same time hiding a soft heart and some vulnerability when it comes to men and personal relationships.

Richard started as the guy everybody loves to hate - priviliged, successful but also arrogant and snobbish. The more time Elaine and the reader spent with him, the more open and real human with flaws and weaknesses, he becomes.

The romance is mixed subtly with sarcasm and critism/mockery of some of the values of modern pop culture - media scandals, starlets, celebrities, even the snobbism of the "true" acting on stage as compared with the plebeian entertainment of TV series.

All in all, this is a light, funny and very entertaining and relaxing romance. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Ms Parker will come up with next. 

Purchase links: Amazon / B&N