Pretty Face

I hate books with stupid characters, women or men, but being a woman, and reading a book written by a woman, well lets just say that inane female really enrage me. So it's great when an author writes smart characters with wit, sass, snark and humor like this author does. This book was more serious than the last one because it deals the death of a parent. The author wrote it insightfully and with heart. Still, her signature character banter was there and as funny as ever. So if you want to read a HEA romance that raises the bar to Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Julie James height these books will do it.

I love Lucy's books. The quick repartee and romance are great.

In their business image is everything. So what happens when sparks fly between a sexy movie star and her distinguished director? Behind the drama of the West End, lies insecurities, spitefulness and entertainment. Pretty Face brings heat to the set. Arrogant director, insecure actress, volatile combination. Gossip, attraction and morality are tackled as Lily and Luc struggle through a business relationship that quickly turns personal. She merges the dramatic with the eclectic to create static electricity.

This romance is in serious contention to be on my best of 2017 list! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the story, from the engaging characters and witty banter to the description of what happens behind the scenes in television and on the stage. Luc may not be the most charming of men, but I love a grumpy hero who is willing to own up to his mistakes and he’s going to have a pretty solid place on my book boyfriend shelf. He’s hardworking, he’s driven, and he speaks his mind. The renovation of the Queen Anne theater has been Luc’s pet project and the re-opening of the theater with the production of 1553 could make or break him. He knows he’s taking a risk by bringing on Lily, but it’s a calculated one, with the hopes that her TV stardom will mean more ticket sales. And as he gets to know her, he falls head over heels for the woman who is so much more than just eye candy for his cynical soul. Lily is delightful as a woman who is fully aware of what’s said about her (to her face and behind her back) and is still determined to prove that she’s a serious actress. The product of an affair between her father, a wealthy (and at the time already married) nightclub owner and her mother, a much younger Irish jazz singer, she knows what the gossips will make of any relationship between her and Luc .She must put all her efforts into making this role a success. She’s young (mid 20s) but not naive. She’s also passionate, friendly, smart and driven to succeed. Her relationship with her mother and father, neither of whom has been the best parent, means she’s used to fending for herself. Trusting Luc is a challenge for her mind and her heart, but her body makes the leap for her. The sexual tension between them sizzles, and leads to some very sensual love scenes. The plot moves along at a smooth pace as the story takes us through the weeks up to opening night. There are several secondary characters, family members of both Lily and Luc as well as other cast members who provide amusing scenes and serious emotional ones too. The laughter is definitely in full force for most of the story (a particular favorite scene for me is when Lucy meets her voice coach at Oxford) but be prepared with a few tissues in the second half. Choices are made and consequences result, leading to some rocky times for our hero and heroine. But they find their way to a heartfelt happy ending and you’ll be left with a smile on your face and wanting to read more about this world the author has created – a testament to her skill in crafting a romance worthy of a standing ovation.

Pretty Face,  Lucy Parker Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre:  romance, I loved this, so much so that I’m off to look for the previous novel, Act Like It. Its a story that’s such fun, full of humour, snappy sharp dialogue, real characters and problems and kept me reading “ just a bit more “ til I finished! Definitely one I’d re-read. So I mentioned sharp dialogue, and that’s such a treat to find an author who doesn’t feel every word has to be simplified, brought down to lowest common denominator, have three syllables or less. There seems to be a real trend to “dumb down” language in so many books, and it turns stories from potentially good reads into meh-just-like-any-other read :-( I want to enjoy the richness of language, to see  authors use it to really set free plots, to let me really feel I’m there, seeing what the characters see, feeling what they feel. I want to read words that make me think “not sure exactly what that is” and look it up – of course context provides an educated guess, but its fun learning new to me words. As I read a lot that’s a bit of a challenge but this book gave me a few new ones :-) The characters were wonderful, I loved how Luc and Lily went from a bad start to a can’t keep hands off situation. I adored the clever and witty humour, which kept me sniggering. Wish I could think of things like that when I need instead of coming out with the mundane and conventional, and only thinking long after of things I could have said.... Lily’s speech issues reminded me so much of UK actress Sandra Dickinson ( think that’s her name), a gorgeous lady with a voice that really just comes out as a kind of breathy squeak. Our voices are so individual, and not everyone is blessed with a beautiful speaking one, some have ones that just make people snigger. I remember some friends of ours from years back, sadly died now but back then one of the men was a very masculine type, but when the poor guy opened his mouth this high pitched squeak came out. People who didn’t know him would think he was taking the pi ss, and it must be very hard to deal with. Its a very genuine kind of premise too, stage shows are hard work, illness, family issues, accidents all play a huge part and it must be a real nightmare getting a show to fruition. I loved the way we saw it play out, understanding the minds of everyday pressures shows cause. The characters were a good mix, and felt very true to type, and of course there’s the media, and they way everything gets exaggerated, a simple lunch together becomes a secret romantic assignation, catching someone as they trip turns into a passionate embrace, and of course the eternal “friends of ....said that....” I have a real hatred of media hype – well, the truth twisting part - and yet clearly its what people want or they wouldn’t sell. Its a great story, perfectly paced, loved the way Luc went from dismissing Lily as an airhead to not being able to keep his hands off. I enjoyed the fact that the characters were older – hurrah, romance isn’t confined to the younger generation! I really liked the bit where everything falls apart, understood exactly how Lily felt, despite Luc not intending his actions to have that interpretation. That’s was so very believable, and made the drama perfect for me. Stars: Five, a great read when you need some decent romance with something extra that will make you smile. ARC supply for review by Netgalley and publishers

Luc had been in a relationship with Margo for eight years and should have called it quits four years earlier but they were just both to busy. But Margo broke up with Luc and two months she was married. Lily was an actress on televisions Knightsbridge and having an audition with Luc who was a well known director who already had preconceived ideas about Lily. Luc could usually tell in five minutes if an actor was suitable for the part he was casting and which people had the connection to form a company. Luc had already lost his first choice for the role of Mary when Margo rushed off to marry then Elizabeth had fallen off a stepladder and broke both her ankles. Luc had five days to pick a new Elizabeth the first. Lily was given the part but had to work on her voice. Lily was really excited that she had the part and would be acting on stage. Lily had to ride with Bridget and Luc to the Meet And Greet where cast and crew get to meet each other for the weekend from there Luc and Lily were going to Harvard to meet with Jocasta Moore who was a vocal specialist. When Lily went to leave from Jocasta’s home Lily collided with Luc and it was about the twentieth time since she met Luc, Lily had collided with him. Lily and Luc were attracted to each other which wasn’t normal for either of them to be attracted to someone when working with them and acting on it. Lily’s mom was Vanessa and she was a singer but she used men to advance her career for thirty years. Vanessa had been dating a club promoter when she met Jack- Lily’s dad and they had an affair as Jack was married and then came Lily. Vanessa went from backup singer to headline act Lily was determined not to be like her mom. Bridget quit the show to do a movie and Margo stepped in and took the role. Now Luc and Margo felt like colleagues or old friends. I really enjoyed this story. I had a bit of a problem in the beginning keeping my attention but once the story got going that changed. This story had a good plot. I also like how it was written except in the beginning. I like that Luc gave Lily a choice on the relationship without any pressure. Also he was willing to leave everything opening night because he felt Lily needed him. I also liked how Luc’s brother apologized to Lily even if she didn’t know why. I also loved how Margo was around Lily when they were together. A good read. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

Pretty Face is the second novel I have read by author Lucy Parker. The originality of the book blurb is what drew me into this story, and from the very first chapter I was hooked. This book primarily takes place in London's West End, where the cut throat world of live theater has the ability to make or break an established director or a rising star. Lily Lamprey is s popular TV soap opera actress with a lot of potential. She is used to showbiz, since her disinterested parents are in the entertainment business as well. Being cast in director Luc Savage's latest play is the opportunity of a lifetime, and she can not wait for the rehearsals to begin. Luc has a lot riding on this production, since he is not only the director of the play, he is also using his personal funds to renovate the theater the cast is performing in. Lily and Luc share an instant chemistry that cannot be denied. Their age difference, Luc's prior relationship with his lead actress, and the fact that Luc is Lily's boss, all contribute to their new romance ending before it even begins. The paparazzi, as well as the tabloid London Celebrity, go after Luc with a vengeance. By association, Lily has become the poster child of meaningless fodder. Luckily, love does conquer all. I really liked this slightly emotional romance, however I found the English references and colloquialisms to be a little difficult to decipher. The second half of the story was fast-paced and the plot twisted and turned in all the right places. Lily and Luc are well-defined characters, and their sexual tension was truly well executed. Overall, this is a well written and extremely impassioned novel. Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

4.5 comedic genius stars! “Her only major role to date is on the worst show on CTV, in a part that could be understudied by a blow-up doll, and vocally she sounds as if she should be charging by the minute.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t think a good way to start a professional relationship begins with the words above. Or in referring to an actress as "Helium Barbie." Although, that’s exactly how our hero, Luc Savage, describes Lily Lamprey before they even meet! When word gets back to Lily? It’s on! This story is adorable and funny and filled to the brim with mischief and mayhem. I like to think of this story as one, tension-filled dart throwing competition. They volley quips back and forth and manage to hit the bullseye every time! I’ve heard great things about Lucy Parker, and the setting in modern day England captured my attention, but I stayed for the belly laughs. Lily Lamprey wants to get out of the TV business. The media doesn't take her character seriously, and honestly, neither does Lily. Even though it’s a long shot, Lily auditions for the West End theater with its legendary, workaholic and grumpy owner - Luc Savage. She’s super smart, a little quirky, and so sarcastic she did me proud! She doesn’t let anyone’s preconceptions get to her, and she totally kicks ass while proving them all wrong. Luc is swoon-worthy in his own right. When he meets Lily, Luc knows he misjudged her. She’s his match, and he develops an instant connection with her. Lily has played second fiddle to her own family, however, and she’s scared she will be with Luc so devoted to his job. Luc’s more than willing to put her first, though, and he proves it. Lily makes him jump through hoops, but Luc knows what (who) he wants and is more than willing to fight to keep it. The secondary characters were great too. I loved Lily’s friend, Trix, and I really hope she gets her own book. I adore Luc's family too. Everyone has sarcasm down to an art, and it makes this a quick, fun read. The final curtain call was all I hoped for and more. Parker is hands down an author to watch. I give this charming, captivating and smart novel a standing ovation! *This was reviewed by Michaelene for the Alpha Book Club*

Delightful depiction of what it might be like to break into the London West End acting profession. And, with it, a wonderful romance that made me smile and feel and care. Lucy Parker is a new-to-me author that reminded me a bit of Jilly Cooper but with her own wonderful style. This may be the first book I have read by Ms Parker but it will not be my last. Lily Lamprey is not the airhead that she depicts on TV. Luc Savage is a workaholic and renowned success in the industry. There is definitely attraction and chemistry between the two BUT they both feel there are too many things against the idea of a relationship to pursue the idea. As they got to know one another that idea began to change, though, AND as they got to know one another I got to know them and wished they were flesh and blood so I could meet them someday. A book that takes me out of myself, makes me feel, makes me want to “know” the characters and tells a wonderful story is one I have to endorse – this is one of those books. Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.