This is where I admit that contemporary romance is NOT my go-to genre, and truly isn't my favorite. HOWEVER, Lucy Parker writes absolutely fantastic romance, and I cannot get enough.

I love Parker's style but this story itself didn't work for me, though i found the hero pretty swoony? I have since this came out read other books in this series -- I requested this on the strength of ACT LIKE IT -- so although it didn't work for me, i think it's just this couple and not Parker at large.

I honestly have zero idea as to why I downloaded this book. It's not a bad book by any means, it is just totally not my taste (straightforward romance). There's some humor and it is entertaining, but I haven't read the first in the series and felt a little bit lost. Good book, just not for me.

I have read and enjoyed every book in the London Celebrities series and I read this book back in May 2018....and sadly I don't recall much about it. On goodreads I gave this 4 stars so I must have liked it a lot. Just wish that I remembered it more.

I was so excited to read this book because I adored the wholesomeness and heartwarming stories of the previous ones in this series. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to read and review this title because I got sidelined with my day job. Hopefully though I get to reread the books soon and then get to this one. I remember being super excited when I got approved of this and I'm sure I'm going to love it.

Finally catching up with this series! This entry was lovely, and was a masterclass in showing romance between two fairly traumatized people where the romance isn’t a magic fix, but is still worth fighting for.

I love Leo and Trix, and I’m forever obsessed with the theater aspect of these books.

This hate-to-love story was sweet and funny and I loved it!!! The ending was so freaking adorable and I just had the absolute biggest smile on my face for these two.

I absolutely adore Lucy Parker's London Celebrities series. After reading Making Up I completely understand why NPR selected it as one of the best books of 2018. Can't wait for the next one!

I was so excited about the third book in Parker's West End series, which has been an absolute delight thus far. And I enjoyed the third installment. I liked how unconventional and unique Trix and Leo were. I liked them very much individually, but it was together that I struggled with them, which isn't exactly what you want with a romance. And it's not that I didn't believe in them or want them to make it. I just wasn't feeling the urgency or the maturity I would have liked, which I think is what held my emotions back and kept them from fully engaging with this couple. That said, I am so looking forward to the next book in the series as Parker is a gem and I feel like this was just a bit of a one-off for me.

Lucy Parker’s debut didn’t totally wow me, but it was great fun. From there, her books have just been getting better. Pretty Face is one of my favorite contemporary romances, even though it’s an age gap romance, which I usually super do not like. Making Up comes in second, but it’s still so very good.


Can we take a moment to appreciate the punniness of this title? Leo’s a make-up artist, but they’re also making up for ten years of being shits to each other because of a high school misunderstanding. (Pretty sure Brits don’t call it high school but my mind is blanking, so you know what I mean anyway.) I appreciate a good punny title. So much better than Pretty Face, which still makes me shudder, even though I love the book.

Leo and Trix have a Benedick and Beatrice flair to them, which may be intentional actually, given her name. When the story opens, he’s shown up unexpectedly to work for the show in which she’s an acrobat. They hate each other and angrily banter insults back in forth whenever they’re in range. It’s complete ship bait, except for the fact that the first couple chapters are a bit off somehow. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s covered in someone’s vomit during their first interaction? Or maybe it’s just waiting to find out why they hate each other.

Either way, after a couple of chapters, I got a better sense of who both Trix and Leo are, and I could not put the book down because shippy banter. The transition from hate to friendship/sex is a bit abrupt, but the transition from friendship to love is done incredibly well. One thing Parker does exceedingly well here is keep the banter going consistently while changing the tenor of it as their relationship shifts.

When you finally find out the source of their hatred, it’s hilariously anticlimactic, but I thought that worked actually. Hurts are so intense when you’re a teenager with your hormones going nuts and you’re basically a giant emotional nerve ending. It’s a classic case of masculine posturing combined with never clearing up a host of misunderstandings.

Though their continued loathing may seem a bit childish, the ship is saved by the way that they begin to communicate once they do get together. They’re not perfect at the communication thing, and they do fight, but the important thing is the way they deal with fights or miscommunication. They talk the situation out, the way that you have to in a healthy relationship. I really believe this couple could make it because of the way they’re learning to have healthy discussions, especially by the end.

Making Up is one of those relatively rare romances where the couple gets together very early, though Trix would throw up if you called them a couple, because they’re just “hanging out.” The biggest barrier between them and a successful relationship is Trix. Her self-esteem issues and fear of intimacy due to a prior emotionally abusive relationship are poised to ruin her career and her relationship with Leo if she cannot work through them.

I loved the portrayal of the affects of an emotionally abusive relationship, both in Trix and Leo’s sister. Trix’s ex had initially been the perfect boyfriend, until he began to tear her down, trying to separate her from everyone and everything she loves. She escaped, but her self-esteem is hanging by a thread. In Making Up, Trix is trying to find the person she once was inside herself and to understand how she could have let herself be treated that way. It’s beautifully done, and I love that she finally commits to therapy at the end of the book.

It’s also very clear that being with Leo does not magically fix her fear of committing to the wrong person or her lack of trust in herself. He is, however, a very good and understanding partner from the beginning. Usually I don’t like when one character mostly has their shit together and the other one’s struggling, but it worked here. Leo’s working on his relationship with his sister and trying to jumpstart his career, and I do love the way that others call him on his shit, particularly his jealousy. And you know I love the men who are romantic and emotional when the heroines have commitment issues. <spoiler>It’s also lovely that he gives up the job in America but that they end up finding a nice balance in their careers. And so so cute that Trix didn’t marry him until she felt like it, even when they had an oops baby.</spoiler>

This series is delightful, and I’m super stoked for the next one, because The Austen Playbook. I mean, hello, made for me.

Lucy Parker’s books are so fun. I love the London setting and the focus on the West End stage productions. Very clever and interesting read.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
Ok, I couldn't force myself for a very long time to write this review. Why? I didn't finish the book. The first in the series was a really nice surprise and I liked it, second not so much... and I had high expectation with this one. Enemies to lovers? Yes! Circus artist? Yes! But when I've started reading this history... I didn't feel it. Leo was ok, Trix not really (I didn't like her in the previous book as well). I don't know why, but I thought it's going to be kind a slow burn romance... but of course it wasn't.
I had to give up...

Making Up is the story of Trix, an aerial performer in a top London musical, and Luc, the makeup artist she loathes who has now been contracted to the show. It's a fun contemporary romance set in the unique setting of London musical theatre—specifically, aerial theatre.

Trix is thrust into the spotlight after a horrible accident sidelines the star of the show. That might not be so bad if it wasn't for the reappearance of Luc, one of three people the world she really can't stand (the other two are her ex, a master of emotional manipulation and bullying, and her stage manager, a straight-out bully).

Anyway, as the title implies, the romance is about making up—Trix finding where she has misjudged someone (which was mutual), and what happens next. It's a fast, fun, sexy read, with lots of humour and witty one-liners.

I especially enjoyed the humour. I think it must be difficult to write humour well, because it often becomes cringey or slapstick. Making Up never had that problem. It was laugh-out-loud funny but never crossed the line into inappropriate or cringey. I thought I'd highlighted dozens of my favourite lines so I could share them in my review. Unfortunately, my Kindle seems to have deleted them all (must have been that "upgrade"). Anyway, this one should give you an idea of the tone:

The chances of a collision midair ought to be infintesimal to nonexistent. As usual, the universe spotted complacency and delivered a swift kick up the arse.

Making Up is the sequel to Act Like It (which I've read) and Pretty Face (which I haven't read, but will). However, it can easily be read as a standalone story.

Recommended for contemporary romance fans, especially those who love London settings, and those still mourning the decline of chick-lit.

Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

(P.S. For those who read my reviews because you're looking for Christian fiction recommendations: This is not Christian fiction. Just in case you were wondering.)

A very unpleasant book. Didn't like the heroine and was lukewarm about the hero. From her first appearance, I could also tell his sister wasn't going to improve things either. I'm with the reviewers who were thrilled to see this release date and delighted to get an arc but couldn't manage to finish it.

Full disclosure I received a copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review. Now on to the good stuff!!! Cutting to the chase this book with make you laugh out loud and fall in love with Leo and Trix. I am a massive fan of Lucy Parker, and this latest installment in the London Celebrities series does not disappoint! Making Up is certainly a turning point in the series, and refreshing. Some of the shake-ups reader can look forward too: a behind the scenes film crew adding pressure to the couple rather than just London Celebrity coverage,and we have a beta hero ( Leo is definitely cut from a different cloth than Richard and Luc). Don’t get me wrong I LOVED the first two books, but Making Up was wonderful in a different way. Trix is funny as always, and I loved the banter between Luc and Trix, especially the comic strips!! I loved how easily they fell into their relationship even as Trix is in denial. Most importantly I loved how they both experience professional growth on their own and that they are both supportive of their careers. In the previous books Richard and Luc have stable careers so it was interesting to see Leo also have to face a difficult choice in regards to his job and his relationship rather than Trix. LP has a gift for making sex hot and funny, she does not disappoint. In summary, Trix and Leo have magnetic chemistry, Leo separates himself from LP’s other powerhouse heroes in the best way, characters show tremendous growth that will tug at your heart strings, loads of witty banter, and the sex is hot and funny. If for nothing else read this book for Reggie the hedgie who absolutely steals the show.

I finally read the 3rd book on the London Celebrities series. It took me ages, but I finally did it, eheh. To be honest, I do think this series works best as audiobooks for me, and so I was kind of waiting for the audio to be available on Scribd to jump on it. I'm glad I did. I'm sure I would have loved this book no matter what, but the narration is wonderful.

Once again the writing is awesome! And Billie Fulford-Brown just brings the book to life. Love it.

Another thing I loved were the characters. Trix is a force of nature, who was dimmed by a terrible experience. I hated that her stupid ex had dimmed her light, but I loved that she was able to get past that, even if at extremely slow pace. Step by step she started coming out of her shell again, believe in her capacities and giving so much sass to everyone. She's awesome, and I love her. Also, she has pink hair... I love pink hair.

Leo was such an awesome surprise. I loved his strength and the way he loved Trix, and was willing to help her and support her, and his goal was always to make her believe in herself. And even though he was scared a lot of times, he still moved at her pace, because he understood she needed that. <3 I love Leo!

The banter between these two was amazing and so well written. The romance was also fantastic, their chemistry was off the charts. I just loved every single moment they were together, because it was so so entertaining.

The epilogue was beautiful, and I was so very glad to see a little of Lily and Luc on this story too.

Trix Lane unexpectedly lands the lead role in The Festival of Masks, a kind of circus/play, and normally she’d be over the moon, but self-doubt creeps in thanks to a bad breakup with a toxic man. Add to that Leo Magasiva will now be working on the production, and they have a long history of hating each other. Well, they didn’t always hate each other. There was a time in school they were quite close, but that went horribly wrong. Yet, now when Trix is having problems with performing the one who seems to help the most is Leo.

I really enjoyed the past two books in this series, Ms. Parker is such a clever writer. Making Up did not disappoint, and once again I was treated to witty and funny exchanges. The sparring back and forth between Trix and Leo was a laugh, but there was also serious depth as we’re shown the history between them. Trix and Leo discover things in the past may not have been as they thought. Of course, you can’t have such strong emotions such as hate without passion and hurt at the bottom of it, and it’s as they say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Trix and Leo have a sweet and HOT journey back to love, and it was a pleasure to experience with them.

From her very first book, Act Like It, Lucy Parker’s romances have been favorites of mine. So I was pretty excited to read her third book, Making Up. Although I liked her other two books more, Making Up is still totally amazing.

Making Up is about Trix, a circus artist, who is currently in a popular West End production in a supporting role, and Leo, a makeup artist. Leo and Trix have known each other since they were young, but don’t get along. Trix is less than pleased when she learns that Leo will be joining the crew. Trix is also stunned to suddenly have the lead role in the production. Of course, although Leo and Trix are bickering like crazy, they both have some strong feelings for each other.

Trix is a complicated heroine, and I will admit sometimes I struggled with her. She is very well developed, but she’s going through some tough times. It was difficult to see Trix struggle, but it was also so good see Trix work through those things. Although I was frustrated with Trix, she is clearly a kind person, who is dealing with some heavy stuff and trying to get her confidence back.

Leo, however, totally stole my heart. I just loved him from almost the beginning. He’s had a setback in his career, but he’s doing the best he can to fix things. Leo is just so dependable, whether he’s dealing with his younger, bitchy sister or helping Trix. Oh, and he is petsitting his sister’s hedgehog, which is totally adorable. I am always a sucker for dependable, kind and capable heroes, and that is Leo to a T.

Lucy Parker writes great romance, and I was so on board for Trix and Leo to figure things out. Bickering enemies to lovers is always a fun trope, and it’s done really well in Making Up. I loved both of them together, and sometimes just wanted Trix to get out of her head enough to realize Leo was perfect for her. I also loved that Leo was happy to change his dreams so he could stay with Trix.

Making Up by Lucy Parker was fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves contemporary romance. You really can’t go wrong with a Lucy Parker book.

I cannot begin to describe how much I loved Parker’s first two books in the London Celebrities series. Act Like It edges out Pretty Face by a hair’s breath as my favourite. My love for the first two was followed by my anticipation for the third, Making Up. I built up a lot of excitement and eagerness to get to Making Up and I dug in with the reading hunger of a Crusoe presented with his first home-cooked meal. I’d encountered Parker’s leads in previous books and loved them: Pretty Face Lily’s pixie roommate, Beatrix Lane, and a giant of a make-up artist, Leo Magasiva. They were familiar, beloved, and would make my Kindle emit sparks with their charm – my reading immersion would be complete. (For now, let’s say there was mild glow emanating from the Kindle; sparkly territory, we did not reach.) Making Up opened with Parker’s snarky humour, which I’d come to love in the two previous books: sharp, witty, quick banter, self-deprecating barbs, and a backstage irreverence that only people who perform for a living can understand, face forward, wild, sweaty groping awkwardness to get there.

Making Up starts with a principal acrobat in Trix’s show having a great fall and Trix asked to stand in. Trix is emotionally fragile, as we know from Pretty Face, and her hesitation in the face of this opportunity is further evidence of this. It’s as if Trix doesn’t want this, happy with her secondary role. Ah, but the Parker wit, it made me smile: “She was supposed to be the Prince Harry of the situation.” Into this sudden spotlight walks former school chum and ever-lingering could-have-been, make-up arist Leo Magasiva. Trix greets him: “Irritant Number One. The original wanker. The pop-up dickhead who made a surprise appearance every ten pages or so in the picture book of her life.” The sight of Trix inspires acerbic thoughts in Leo as well: “The extremely short bane of Leo’s existence.” I do love me my enemies-to-lovers scenarios. They are rife with seething attraction, pointed barbs, and tension. Yes, I fist-pumped, this will be good!

As any romance-reader worth her weight in TBR heft knows, an enemies-to-lovers romance is only as good as the author’s ability to hint at dormant, neglected, and deliberately suppressed feels. This is certainly the case for Leo: “The very sight of her raised an uncomfortable jumble of emotions, jabbing an insistent finger at sleeping bitterness and regret.” Trix’s memories of Leo are equally painful: “Her first real crush. Her first heartbreak.” And thus, we have Parker’s set-up: Trix getting a career break as she emerges from under-study-dom to star power-light and Leo the Irritant as the new make-up artist hired for her show, “The Festival of Masks”. Trix’s reticence comes from an emotionally abusive relationship that still, a year later, has made her timid instead of her standard in-your-face bold.

Leo too is coming to the show after a career debacle: when a star-actor in his previous show had an allergic reaction to Leo’s make-up; though no fault of Leo’s, his reputation could use redemption. Trix and Leo reunite when their careers aren’t budding and they have to work hard to water them and ensure they blossom. That’s stressor one; stressor two is, of course, their nascent attraction and apparent antagonism: “Their budding … whatever had crashed and burned a long time ago,” thinks Leo. Parker’s wit is front and centre when Leo refers to Trix’s physical charms as “the equivalent of cuddling a roll of barbed wire” and Trix herself as “the pink peril”. Trix and Leo, however, are sympathetic characters, good friends to others, loving family members, and ’tisn’t long before they work up empathy for the hurts in each other. Their attraction is off the scale and they’re soon lovers, or friend-with-benefits, with their eyes on a casual love-making prize and focus on career.

As we know, in romance, the best laid plans of the h&h often go astray, leading to the HEA … sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Parker’s best laid plans veered if not astray, then definitely in a meandering and too leisurely pace. There were two elements that I found in Parker’s first two efforts that were missing: one was a diminished sense of that rich theatrical world and setting that she brought to life. Second was a relative lack of tension and conflict. For Richard and Lainy, for Luc and Lily, it felt like there were emotional stakes in their romance. While for Leo and Trix, everything was so work-out-able. The job conflicts worked out; their internal obstacles were resolved in a reasonable, sensible manner and, in the interim, the reader saw the HEA by chapter three. Yet, I couldn’t help but love Leo’s appeal to Trix: ” ‘It doesn’t have to be perfect, sweetheart.’ “, but I also couldn’t help but miss my romance dark moment, betrayal, even a tiny little amend-making if not grovel – on either part. Two nice people working things out: I liked it, but I didn’t love it. On the other hand, “it doesn’t have to be perfect” to be Parker. She is still one of the best contemporary romance writers we have. Honestly, I can’t WAIT to read the next one. As for Making Up, Miss Austen and I say it offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Lucy Parker’s Making Up is published by Carina Press. It was released on May 28 and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-ARC from Carina Press, via Netgalley.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I am such a fan of this series! Lucy Parker is back, and she came with a story, which I think is my favorite of the series.

Trix and Leo almost were "a thing" back when they were teens, but something happened, and erased those warm and fuzzy feelings replacing them with nothing but hostility. Then, once again, the universe brought these two together, when Leo was hired as a make-up artist for Trix's show, and that passion instantly reignited between them.

Nothing like a great hate-to-love romance to put a smile on my face, and Making Up was that and so much more.

I was really excited to catch up with Trix. She had been slightly damaged by her prior relationship. Not only was she broken hearted, but her ex's manipulations and mind games left her with almost no self confidence and very low self-esteem. He had poisoned her mind, and left her with only the memory of the girl she used to be. Trix struggled throughout this story with those demons of her past relationship, and it kept her from enjoying personal and professional success. Thank goodness Parker gave her so many wonderful people in her life, who believed in her and supported her. The combination of their love and encouragement, as well as her own determination, helped Trix recover some of her old self. I was terribly proud of all her progress and the success she attained, because she was so deserving of it.

Leo, Leo, Leo. I don't even know where to start with him. It was quite a while before we find out what stupid thing he did as a teen to alienate Trix, but once he decided he wanted to bury the hatchet with Trix, we saw such a fantastic side of him. He was kind, understanding, and quite gentle. He was giving and patient and swoony. I adore him, and I so wanted Trix to give him a chance, because he was genuine and the real deal. I knew he would treat her right, and she deserved someone, who loved and accepted all the parts of her.

These two together were a force to be reckoned with. Sparks were flying from their first on-page together. The banter between the two was so fun and fabulous, I just couldn't get enough. There was so much passion and heat, but there were also so much history and many special, tender moments between the two. Just thinking of those moments makes my eyes shiny and a smile creep across my face.

The ending had everything I could ever ask for in an ending too, but it made me fear that this may be the last book in the series. Please, Lucy Parker, don't let this be the last one, because I am so in love with this delightfully fun series, and really hope to visit the West End again soon.

Overall: A fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance, filled with fun banter, heat, and laughs.