The other day, while finishing a book on Kindle, and wondering what I was going to read next, I read a review from Ellepkay about a book I hadn’t heard of, but seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, Ellepkay. I really enjoyed this one.
Richard Troy is the greatest stage actor of his generation, hailed as the second coming of Olivier. He’s currently starring in a West End drama, but because of his off-stage antics (temper tantrums and the like), ticket sales are down. And thus, his manager and publicist come up with a plan.
One of his co-stars is the newly single Lainey. Lainey is polite, funny, charitable, and just a pleasure to be around. And it is strongly suggested to her (along with a promise to make a large donation to the pediatric cancer charity that she runs) that she and Richard act like a couple in order to save his reputation and the show.
Yes, yes, yes. Of course I knew where this was going. And I didn’t care. I had fun along the way. I wanted to know more about the life of the theater — the long hours and the camaraderie (or whatever the opposite of camaraderie is). I wanted to see more of Lainey’s family, and understand more about her personal loss. I pretty much wanted more of just about everything. Plus, Doctor Who jokes! Right up my alley!
The only thing I wanted less of? Lainey’s ex, and other co-star, Will. Every time his name showed up on the page, I basically groaned. I understand that Richard needed a foil, someone way worse than he appeared at first glance, but Will was just too much.
Other than that? A fun, extremely well-written way to get to know a new author. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more from Lucy Parker.
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.