Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Plot:
Richard Troy is a 35 years old stage actor with a permanent bad disposition, abundant arrogance and a terrible reputation.
When his nasty tantrums start affecting ticket sales, PR Management comes up with a perfect solution:
Act like he’s leaving his “bad boy days” behind because he has finally found his real life leading lady.
They also have the right person for the part!
Elaine Graham is a feisty stage actress that works with Richard, and she hates the “Act like it” idea more than he does.
“You would have to have a skin like a rhino to put up with him. Or just no self-esteem at all and a faint aura of desperation.”
Yep, she doesn’t sound exactly happy about it.
How will they make it work?
Personal Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Richard & Laney’s story, their personalities and how they get to truly know each other.
At the beginning Richard is so full of himself that he doesn’t care much about anything/anyone else around him, Laney included.
Everyone is very familiar with his “grumpy cat” attitude:
They work together on stage but, out of it, he’s barely aware she’s alive and around.
Laney hates him, mainly because he doesn’t acknowledge her existence.
Until they are forced to “act like it” and fake they’re dating.
The strong influence of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is palpable but this is not a retelling.
Even if the author’s talent is unquestionable, I didn’t fell in love with this book.
I’m usually a binge reader when I’m loving a book.
In this case I stopped reading twice and it wasn’t a struggle to leave it aside for later in the week.
I think the story lost “momentum” for me because the MCs show early interest in each other way too easily and the pace slows too soon, only to pick up again toward the end.
I’m not talking about insta-love (this is actually a slow burning romance), I’m talking about the “dislike each other” phase that soon turns into a friendly limbo where I couldn’t feel much chemistry.
In Act Like It by Lucy Parker I enjoyed most of all the writing and banters betweem the MCs.
Unfortunately the plot didn’t keep my attention all the way through.
⭐ 3 Stars ⭐
* You can find my review of “Pretty Face (London Celebrities #2)” by Lucy Parker here.
The majority of reviews I’ve read about this series give “Act like It” an higher rating than “Pretty Face”… for me it was the exact opposite!
~ My Ratings ~
Writing: 4 /5
Plot: 3 /5
Hero: 3 /5
Heroine: 3 /5
Secondary Characters: 3 /5
MC’s chemistry: 2.5 /5
Triggers: None
Recommended to: Adult Romance Readers that enjoy Hate-to-Love stories.
~ Quotes ~
He was no stranger to sexual frustration.
It was more than that. He was…God, he was bonding with her.
Feelings—warm, strong, nauseating feelings—were springing up all over the place, unfurling in his chest, his gut, his groin. Sinking in deep with their little hooks.
I don’t think you’re a bad person, Richard. Perhaps a little more flawed than most,” she teased, and he grimaced, “but I shall rise above that and keep a thick skin where you’re concerned.
“And what words of wisdom did he offer?”
“He told me to grow a spine and get over it.”
That startled a laugh from Rachel. “He doesn’t beat around the bush, does he?”
“He bulldozes right over the bush.”
Tell me you want this. Me.”
It was enlightening that she could be this far gone with desire yet still capable of irritation. “Richard.” She braced herself against his stomach. “I’m prepared to stroke many things right now, but your ego is not one of them.
She stilled. “Your — what?”
His jaw worked as he looked down at her. “My…” Suddenly, he released her hands and cupped her face, bringing her up on her tiptoes and her mouth to his. His kiss was forceful and demanding… “Mine,” he said. “Just mine.”
Pulling back to take a much-needed breath, she rested her hands on his chest. “There’s a distinct scent of eau de caveman around here.”
“God, I love you.”
Lainie lifted her hands and laid them over his, linking their fingers. “Do you?”
“More today than yesterday.” He tilted her chin up with his thumbs. “More now than an hour ago. By the time I die at ninety of a sex-induced heart attack, I expect I’ll love you in a way I can’t even comprehend.”
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