Read this book.
When an obnoxious stage actor needs a boost to his reputation which will both encourage business and improve his public standing, his costar is selected as just the right woman to be able to put up with him for the media’s gratification while secretly being rewarded with money for her charity at the same time.
There are several ways an author can reform an asshat, but a partner who gives as good as he/she gets is the most fun, as is a reverse Taming of the Shrew. Starring together in a West End play in contemporary London, the hero and heroine are both talented and successful. He is higher up the ladder than she, but as a theatre purist whose aspirations of influence in the arts are in conflict with his complete and utter inability to suffer fools gladly, he is in a spot of bother. Richard is rich, insanely talented, gorgeous and, as the saying goes, difficult. Lainie is droll, sharp, and sincere. They spar their way to a genuine, romantic relationship without sacrificing the arch by-play that makes them so enjoyable to begin with.
I will not be the only one reviewing this first book from Lucy Parker, nor will I be the only person encouraging you to buy it. With this novel, Parker has arrived on my “fingers crossed for huge potential” list. Her writing is fresh and sublimely funny and her talent for wry asides and wonderful banter will take her far. Admittedly, Act Like It does fall back on a couple of tropes to get the job done, but with prose this witty who cares?
Having said all I need to, I’m just going to regale my ones of readers with some select quotations. (Speaking of which, Richard quotes my favourite line of all time, in fact it’s the tagline for my blog, to Lainie. I screamed like a Beatles fan at Shea Stadium.)
You make Mr. Darcy look like the poster child for low self-esteem.
I wouldn’t have to lose my temper if people weren’t such morons.
Lynette looked as though a few silent prayers for patience were taking place behind her bland expression.
…he was quite gracious with her niece Emily, although clearly uncomfortable with – well, humans, really.
Links to my other reviews can be found on my complete reading list of books sorted by author or Author Commentary & The Tallies Shameful.
Excellent review. This book was such a pleasant surprise, and I find that unlike a lot of the romances I read, it has stayed with me (not just because new Cannonballers keep discovering and loving it either) and I keep thinking back to it. I suspect I’ll be re-reading it before too long, because I really did like both Richard’s cranky douchiness (I like a magnificent bastard on occasion) and Lainie’s wit and determination.
I loved how endlessly she just poked him back.
Yay! I am so glad everyone else is enjoying this one too. I’ve been a bit depressed that my first read of the year has still been far and away the best. But, the love everyone else is giving it lets me go back and enjoy all over again.
Have you read the new Christina Lauren? I think I liked it best of the four.
I actually haven’t read any Christina Lauren. My library doesn’t carry them, and they cost more than I allow myself to spend on a single book. So, by my own logic, I am willing to pay $2 a piece for 4 crappy books, but not $8 for one good one. Maybe I should stop complaining about reading junk? I can’t help it though – every so often I find something fabulous and get to feel like a genius for getting it for $1.
I can send the first three your way if you need!
Yes please!!!
What’s your email? Or message me on FB if you prefer! I’m in the Dukes group (Amanda Lynne.)
That’s encouraging! I was a little soured after the last one.