I read Lucy Parker’s Pretty Face because it was recommended by emmalita and Mrs. Julien and I like reading good romances, so I tried this one. It tells the story of Lily Lamprey, a 20 something who just landed her first big play, a production called 1553 in which all the major roles are women and I would watch the heck out of and enjoy. (Someone should make this play, seriously) I disagree with Luc’s assessment that Elizabeth was a pawn at this point in the play; Elizabeth I was a born schemer in the best way. Luc Savage is the director and owner of the theatre and takes a chance on casting on her despite her last role being on a soap and her voice sounding like a breathy Marilyn Monroe impersonation. He is 40, and I liked the idea of a romance novel where the guy isn’t a 20 something too.
The age difference between the two characters didn’t bother me at all. I guess it could have because he’s in a position of authority over her by being her director. He fights the relationship for a while but it seems inevitable and right when they get together. The conflict that separates them before they end up getting together seems realistic and not forced. I liked the conflict and the coming back together of the two characters better in this book than in Act Like It. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot during the crumbling theatre scenes and Richard’s ordeal (I get it, he’s a good guy, you don’t need to hit me over the head with a hammer.)
Can we talk for a moment about the very athletic people in contemporary romance novels? Everyone ankles are always up behind their heads. No one gets an achy back or wrists. I guess they are probably pretty fit people. I liked this one; the side characters and family members are well written and enjoyable, the ex of the hero isn’t a terrible shrew (Hooray!) and the best friend is supportive and caring without being wacky. I look forward to Lucy Parker’s next book. I’m sure it will make me smile.
I dunno. I appreciate Lainie’s somewhat disastrous 5k in Act Like It.
From what I recall, her time was actually quite impressive.
Maybe yes, but mostly no. 35 minutes is around my own 5k time. I finish in the bottom quartile in every race.
This is on my to be reviewed pile, and I enjoyed it much more than Act Like It, which I didn’t particularly like, much to the chagrin of everyone here.
Also, I just read your bio, and I’m so glad your husband is doing well. My mom is a breast cancer survivor (ten years this year!) and my dad has terminal lung cancer, so we’re in the midst of the chemo and the sickness and awfulness of the whole thing all over again. I dunno. I guess I just wanted to send you a hug in solidarity. And now that this is getting creepy, I’ll show myself out.
You aren’t being creepy at all. Thanks for the hug, it’s much appreciated. Back at ya.
I very much agree with you about the apparent athleticism of every person in romance, but I suppose it’s just one of those facts one has to accept when reading the genre. Like virgins always climaxing at the end of their first time (whether or not the intercourse started out as uncomfortable and/or painful) and being really much more adept in bed than their inexperience would suggest.
I haven’t gone back and checked your previous reviews – have you read The Hating Game by Sally Thorne yet? It’s utterly delightful.
Also, so glad to hear your husband is doing well. I lost both a cousin and my godfather to cancer in the last six months, but was just told by my mother that another cousin, who’s been fighting breast cancer has been cancer free for three months now. I’m trying to focus more on the positives than the negatives. It’s an awful disease.
It won’t let me edit my previous comment. I DID go back and check you previous reviews and noticed that I even commented on your review of The Hating Game. I have no excuse, save that the community here is ever-growing and I’m a lot more absent-minded at present than is usually the case as I am so very swamped with work.