“Act Like It” by Lucy Parker

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?

Sassy.

That’s the one word to best describe this book. SASSY.

Lainie, our leading lady. Sassy. (and strong, and opinionated, and imperfectly perfect, and surprisingly human/realistic…)

Richard, our leading man. Sassy. (and swoonworthy, and curmudgeonly, and heroic, and sexy…)

Their interactions. Sassy. (and funny, and sarcastic, and flirtatious, and honest…)

Lainie and Richard are costars in a West End theater play. Richard is a jerk-face. Lainie is a sweetheart. So, naturally, in order to help repair Richard’s fledgling image, his PR team coaxes Lainie and Richard to pretend being the new hot couple.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: this storyline is overdone!

But, there’s something charmingly fresh about how Lucy Parker wrote this book! Neither Lainie nor Richard felt like characters, but rather, more like…real people? People I’d love to hang out with at a pub and exchange verbal jabs with. (and maybe, after sending Lainie home, spend a little quiet time with Richard…oh my…)

There was an addictive chemistry between the two of them and even as the attraction and the eventual feelings grew, their personalities were not compromised. What made them fun against each other made them even more fun with each other. Totally digging this pairing.

Great dialogue. A strong female lead. A sexy-as-f*ck male lead. And a connection between the two that made me squeal when they finally started hooking up! Oh…and very British. Score!

There’s also a level of emotion to these characters, a depth, that made it that much more enjoyable. I found myself tearing up a couple times. And when the inevitable misunderstanding happens, I clutched my kindle begging for a quick and not-too-painful trip to resolution. Yeah…I was in deep!

As scorching as the chemistry between the two characters is (and it is HOT!), there is no on-page, explicit sex. I found I didn’t miss it. But your mileage may vary.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-enjoy contemporary romance, this one might be a great choice. It doesn’t break the mold as much as it shines it up and makes it feel new. Really enjoyed this. I dare you to not fall in love (or at least really strong like!) with Lainie and Richard!

TITLE: Act Like It
AUTHOR: Lucy Parker
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
LENGTH: 199
RELEASE DATE: November 30, 2015
BUY LINKS: Amazon, Carina