This was a great continuation of the London Celebrities series. I really liked the chemistry between Trix and Leo and the backstory between them. The circus type setting was an interesting change from the traditional theater world we've seen in the previous two books.

I absolutely loved it. Trix with her prickly and closed off ways was a heroine I could relate to. Leo was kind and loving and generous. There is a hedgehog named Reggie, the hedgie. Trix and Leo’s relationship is enemies that were never meant to be enemies to lovers.

They were such a good match for each other. I absolutely LOVE Parker’s writing voice. AND the epilogue was right up there with KA epilogues in how good it was. If you haven’t already read this this, I highly recommend it. Here is one quote that I pulled and wanted to share.

“This was meant to be just sex.” She was grasping at the last tumbling pillars of stability around her, watching them crumble into dust and slip between her
fingers. “You said it was just casual. At the festival.” “Well, I fucking lied, didn’t I?” Leo snapped, reaching up to clasp his hands behind his head, his movements abrupt and jerky. “It’s too… intense.” The words spilled out of her almost accusingly. “Of course it’s intense,” he said impatiently. “Jesus, Trix, when has it ever been casual between us? At what point during the past ten years were your feelings ever that lukewarm? We’ve slammed up against each other from the moment we met. We resented each other that single-mindedly— that intensely…” His eyes cut back to hers, deep and dark and— yes— angry. “And I think we’re going to love each other just as hard.”

I know we're only halfway through the year, so it's a little early to be making declarations about my favorite books from 2018. However, I already know that Lucy Parker will be on my list of favorite new-to-me authors I read in 2018 and that the London Celebrities series will be on my "Best Books of 2018" list. It's just a fact!

The first book in the series, Act Like It, was a spontaneous purchase before I went to the UK with Kelly. I wanted some contemporary fiction on my Kindle – and the fact that it was set in London made it all the better! I ended up reading the whole thing on my flight home, and it was the best reading experience. You know how there are some books where you'll forever remember where you were when you were reading them? Act Like It will be one of those for me. If I had to leave England, at least my book was able to take me back.

I finished the book with a huge grin on my face and bought the second book, Pretty Face, as soon as I was home. This book solidified Parker as one of my new favorite authors! With both books, I was smitten from the beginning! They were snarky, sarcastic and totally swoony – something that I've now come to think of as Parker's trademark. I'm just obsessed with her writing, sense of humor, and seriously charming romances.

And you know what's just icing on the cake? There's drama and conflict in each book, but it's never dragged out endlessly. I'm consistently surprised by the way Parker's characters communicate with one another. Sure, they sometimes argue and aren't always on the same page – but I've never once had the thought, "Why don't you two just talk like adults?!" And honestly, I think that at least once with most contemporary romances that I've read.

So, I should probably get around to talking about the book that prompted this specific post: Making Up, the third in the series. I finished Pretty Face back in February and was immediately bummed when I realized the third wasn't available yet. Did I have a mini dance party when I got approved for a review copy on NetGalley? OBVIOUSLY. I read it right away! And then, three months later, I decided to read it again. Yep, twice in one year... it's just that good!

Making Up came out at the end of May, and there are SO many reasons why you should read it. The heroine is Beatrix Lane, who we first met in Pretty Face because she's best friends with that heroine. Their friendship is one of my favorites! There's one particular scene between them in this book that legitimately made me tear up both times I read it. I love female friends who are there for each other no matter what!

Although you don't have to, I would suggest reading Pretty Face before this one because you'll get some of Trix's history in it. Trix's previous boyfriend was emotionally abusive, and she's still struggling to regain her confidence months after their breakup. I loved how thoughtfully Parker approached the heroine's situation. The book felt a little more serious, to me, than the first two in the series, but it was so well done. My heart broke for Trix, and I couldn't wait to see this spunky ball of fire regain her spark!

And speaking of sparks, let's talk about this romance. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Parker's romances are equally amazing! I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. The hero's name is Leo Magasiva, and he's a makeup artist who's just been hired to work on Trix's show. Here's how he is introduced:

"Fate had a habit of tossing him in her direction at regular intervals. Either when things were going well and she apparently needed a reality check, or when everything was already a crap heap and she made the mistake of uttering the fatal question: could this get any worse? For someone who wasn’t an entertainer, he never missed his cue."

Y'all, this is everything I love in a romance! Hate-to-love is my favorite trope, and Parker does it so perfectly. There are definitely reasons that Trix and Leo are always butting heads. And unraveling their past + seeing how they sort through everything was just fantastic! I was so invested in them together, and I loved how – once again – Parker deftly handled the inevitable conflict. Gah, I'm smiling again just thinking about these two adorable, dorky people.

There's some great conversations about friendship, family, and professional aspirations. Trix and Leo are both great at what they do, and I liked that their work was important to them. It was really nice to see them grapple with the next steps in their careers! Because of their work, the theater setting was prominent. From terrible bosses to nerve-wracking competitions, the setting definitely made this book extra memorable.

Honestly, I could keep going! The pink-haired heroine of Making Up somersaulted her way into my heart – and the handsome makeup artist waiting in the wings made it all the better. I love these characters so much, and I'm mad that Parker doesn't have a huge backlist that I can binge. I NEED MORE! I adore this series, and I cannot wait for the fourth book. If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I hope these books are on your radar. From the snark to the swoon, every page is a delight! And don't just take my word for it – I convinced Kelly to read them, too.

Although Trix Lane left her emotionally abusive ex months ago, the wounds from that relationship haven’t yet healed. A talented and daring aerial performer, Trix was once a shining star on the London scene, surely headed for greatness. But now her confidence is shot and she struggles to pull off tricks that she’s had mastered for years. When she finally gets her chance to be in the spotlight, will the arrival of her former friend turned enemy Leo Magasiva harm her chances…or bring her to new heights?

Leo is a giant teddy bear, emphasis on the word giant. As a former athlete who’s head and shoulders taller than most people, Leo’s quite self-conscious about how intimidating he can be, especially towards women. He comes across as a bit of a grump but really the guy’s got a gooey center, especially when it comes to Trix. This odd couple has a history, but it’s revealed slowly so I won’t spoil it except to say that it just makes their romance even sweeter. And shout out to the first non-white character in the London Celebrities series! I’m hoping to see more as it continues.

I think MAKING UP is one of Parker’s most romantic, sensitive books to date. Leo’s insecurities about his size and the way it often intimidates people was really well handled, and Parker’s portrayal of Trix’s anxiety and panic attacks is also beautifully done. I really appreciate that falling in love with Leo doesn’t auto-cure Trix. Instead, the pair discuss her anxiety and work to manage it together. That’s what real romance is all about to me.

Lucy Parker is one of the most talented, consistent, and underrated contemporary romance authors in the game right now. If you’re looking for lovable characters, amazing banter, and nuanced relationships, then you need to read her books!

<strong>Making Up</strong> is the third book in Lucy Parker's <a href="http://bookbinge.com/reviews/series/london-celebrities/">London Celebrities</a> series and it was another enjoyable book that I ate right up. Leo and Trix were a wonderful couple and their story was solid.

Trix Lane's role in her show has been upgraded and she's elated at the same time that she's terrified of messing up. The new role is more complicated, her routines a lot harder and though she knows the basics, she must up her game if she wants to keep the role but her confidence has taken a hit thanks to her no good piece of shit ex, the ex that tried to get between her and her best friend Lily in Lily's book, <a href="http://bookbinge.com/2017/02/review-pretty-face-by-lucy-parker/">Pretty Face</a>. To make matters worse, someone from her past is back in her life working on her show as a makeup artist and he's the last person that she wants to see around.

It doesn't matter what she wants because Leo isn't going anywhere and he's always around because he's renting one of the rooms in the housing unit that Trix lives in. Poor thing, haha. But Leo is trying to make some moves for himself professionally after a setback. Sure, he's not all that excited to see Trix on a daily basis but he's not going to let her derail his plans.

This was a great romance about two people who did not get along but fell in love anyway. Leo and Trix's story started when they were in high school and didn't know how to deal with their big time feelings. Things were said, feelings were hurt and a feud began. Every time they saw each other, they burned hot and everyone tried to get out of their blast zone. Seeing them work things out and then figure their things out together made for an enjoyable romance.

Lucy Parker does a great job of making the readers care about her characters. I cared so much for both Trix and Leo. I wanted the best for them throughout the entire book, even when they were both getting on my nerves. Their story was full of warmth, charm and the romance itself was steamy. Leo was really good in the sack, haha. The way that he couldn't get enough of Trix melted my heart. I loved seeing them come into their feelings for each other and though it wasn't the most perfect of journeys, it was a good one.

I'm pretty anxious to see if we get more books from this world and I'm hoping that we do because I'd love to read a story featuring Jono front and center. His character is interesting. Overall, this book was fun and though there were times that I wanted to strangle first Trix and then Leo and Cat wasn't safe from these hands either, I still enjoyed the romance, the story and seeing Trix's professional world first hand.

Leo was a strong hero who cared deeply for those close to him. Trix was a wonderful match for him and I really enjoyed their chemistry together. Kudos to Lucy Parker for another winner.

<strong>Grade: 4 out of 5</strong>

This was a rainy day read that I curled up and couldn't put down. Even as I finished it, i knew I wanted more!

Lucy Parker continues to amaze! This hate-to-love romance was funny, sexy and swoony, and and just enough feels to make my heart totally happy. I absolutely adored Trix and Leo.

Enemies to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes and I love how it was done here with Trix and Leo. First off, the characters are amazing on their own. Trix was feisty and sassy and totally relatable. Leo came off a little grumpy — which is a bonus for me because I do love a good grumpy hero — but was really quite sweet underneath the prickly exterior. He was also totally swoony. Trix and Leo had the best banter and their chemistry was intense. Nothing was ever halfway with these characters — when they were fighting they were all in and the same can be said for when they realized there really was something between them. From start to finish, I was totally hooked. (Side note: the epilogue for this book gave me all the heart eyes.)

I loved the characters and the romance, but I equally enjoyed the setting. I've not found that many books with a circus or stage show setting, but I've been totally captivated by those I've found. Making Up was no different, providing a totally magical world to get lost in. Lucy's books are absolutely refreshing. I've really enjoyed each of the ones I've read and, with this being the last in the series (I think), I especially enjoyed getting to see more of those characters I loved earlier in the series. (Spoiler alert: Lily and Luc's wedding! Swoons for days!) All in all, this was a delightful read. I look forward to rereading the entire series in the relatively near future. If you've not yet given this series a chance, you really should. 

FAVORITE QUOTES
Leo Magasiva. Top London makeup artist. Wizard of special effects. Possessor of beautiful voice and aggressively hipster beard. Pop-up dickhead.

"Strong, smart people make mistakes. And if the worst thing you ever do is believe in someone who doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as you, I think you're doing okay."

"You're not failing, Trix. You're not weak. You're just human, and, I'm sorry to disappoint you, not perfect."

"Sorry. Instinct. You fall, my heart stops, and the rest of me moves without waiting to hear from my brain. You're okay?"

"You know, when you're not annoying the hell out of me, you might be my favourite person."

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I never got around to reading book one, Act Like It, but after having read Lucy Parker’s Pretty Face, book two in the London Celebrities, I couldn’t imagine not wanting to hop back into the West End! I always love the way Parker makes the West End so easily come to life in her books. Having read the previous book in the London Celebrities series, I think Making Up, book three, can easily be read as a standalone, but I did find the book slightly more enjoyable having read the previous one because we have somewhat of a better understanding of Trix. Plus, I always really like when previous characters pop back up throughout a series, but not reading the previous two books in the series isn’t necessary if you’d like to just skip to Trix’s story.

Book three, Making Up, follows the story of Trix, who is an acrobatic aerialist in a West End show. After finally ending her verbally abusive relationship with Dan St. James, Trix is working hard at getting back in the swing of things at work. Her confidence has taken a beating since her ex, but she’s ready to prove herself. When the star of her show gets injured, she is suddenly forced into the spotlight and given a perfect opportunity, but a new hire on the make-up team is putting a damper on her impending joy. Trix and Leo Magasiva barely tolerated each other’s company for years, but suddenly they’re finding it harder and harder to understand the reasons for their mutual dislike of one another.

Plus, Trix’s character was witty, fun, and a little on the nerdy side, which made her instantly likable! I was totally charmed by Pretty Face and I had no trouble just as easily falling in love with Trix and Leo! Parker’s characters always have such great banter and chemistry that leap off the pages! All in all, another great addition to the London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

5 stars for Lucy Parker’s Making Up


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of aerial excitement and make-up filled romance – rounded up for the passion and humour!

This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I have not yet found time to read the first book, but I loved book two, and we do spend quite a bit of time with Lily (Trix's bff) and Luc, so I would recommend that you read it first. The insight into theatre life is really captivating in both of these books, and in very different genres of performance.

Trix has been brought low by a very dismissive boyfriend, and is nursing her confidence before it collapses completely, so her high school nemesis joining the crew just before she has to take on a bigger role is not at all helpful. But once she and Leo actually talk to each other about times gone by, prompted in part by their mutual school friend Ally, and bff Lily, things most definitely improve! I loved their meetings in the roof garden and could imagine all too clearly what it looked like.

So many lovely scenes, and moments of love, support, and friendship, as well as some passionate and intimate ones (not always in the most private locations). Their past, imperfect knowledge of each other was fleshed out in a wonderfully organic way, which is testament to Lucy Parker's writing style. I ended up reading through the night, as I could not stop until I knew just how she got everything to work out!

I liked it. I don't think Lucy Parker can write a bad book. But I didn't find it particularly memorable. As I sat down to write the review, I had to go back and skim the title to remember what happened. Again, I liked it but just didn't find it memorable. If someone were looking for a light read I would absolutely recommend but it would be the book that I ran to tell people to read.

Making Up by Lucy Parker is the third sexy romance in her London Celebrities series. It's another enemies to lovers story with a unique setting, this time amid the high flying world of circus artists.

Trix Lane experienced a drop in confidence after her last relationship, one with a controlling man who made her question everything about her life including her skills in the air. When a co-worker's fall results in the chance for her to take on a more challenging role, she's got to fight to get back the desire for something she would have jumped at the chance to assume a few years before. To top it off, she's got to deal with the presence of her longtime nemesis, make up artist Leo Magasiva.

At one time Leo and Trix were friends in school, until some face saving comments backfired and destroyed that friendship. For the last ten years they've been in the same artist circles but kept a wary distance from each other, with an insult at the ready if necessary. Leo's last job was a bust, and he's been hired to do the makeup for the role Trix will assume. Plus, he's taking over the empty room in the house Trix shares with two other performers. They'll not just be in each other's hair at work, but living side by side.

Had things been different, there was a good possibility that Leo and Trix would have ended up together. With their new close proximity, and some actual honest conversations to clear the air, they discover that the attraction between them is still there, hovering under the surface. Until it's no longer something they can avoid. But Trix is gun shy when it comes to another relationship and Leo may soon be moving to the US if he can win a contest that he's entered. Will their second chance be over all too soon?

If there is a queen of banter award, it definitely should go to Ms. Parker. She's got the formula of making an enemies to lovers relationship have just the right amount of insults, with some honest digs that makes even the participants laugh. Wit, snark and a good comeuppance are a delight for fans of romantic comedies and Leo and Trix have that chemistry, one that eventually leads into some sexy scenes too. It's not all fun though, as Leo and Trix confront what happened in the past and the hurt that it caused, as well as current events.

The damage to Trix's emotional stability from her last relationship is something even Leo can see in her occasional panic attacks and her lack of confidence in moves that she used to perform without fear. He is instrumental in helping her regain that confidence, though it takes her some time to believe in herself again. Her feelings about Leo are complicated by her fear of losing herself in another relationship, something that she must work towards healing in order to have a chance at a happy future with Leo. I really appreciated how Trix's anxiety is treated in the story, and that seeing a therapist to help sort out her feelings is put forth as a normal activity with no stigma attached, as it should be.

There are some interesting secondary characters in this story. Trix's best friend Lily (from Pretty Face) is getting married and they share some emotional times together as Trix is still feeling guilty from how she was manipulated by her ex into almost destroying their friendship. The cast of the show she is in are also being filmed for a reality show, with her co-worker Jono shipped as her partner, making for some awkwardness off set since they are just friends.

Then there is Leo's sister Cat, a young woman who clearly has some problems and isn't the nicest person to be around. It adds up to a lot going on in Leo and Trix's daily life to complicate their growing feelings for each other. Leo is steadfast in his feelings for Trix and it's up to her to choose where their future will lie. Fortunately, she makes the right choice and we get a sweet ending, and a lovely epilogue too. For fun, sexy romantic comedies I highly recommend all the books in this series, and can't wait to see what other romances Ms. Parker has up her sleeve!

This review has been posted at Harlequin Junkie and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted at sale sites and has been posted at Goodreads .

Lucy Parker is pretty much the only author of contemporary romance whose books are a must-read for me, and I suspect that there are many, many readers out there in Romancelandia who, like me, have been eagerly awaiting Making Up, the third book in her London Celebrities series. Set in the world of London’s West End, the stories take place amid the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd, the backstage backstabbing, the gossip, rivalry and intense camaraderie of theatre companies mounting high-status, high profile productions. Ms. Parker completely nails the London setting and the sheer amount of graft from all involved required to mount a commercially successful West End production; her characters work hard, play hard and show readers that not all is glitz and glamour behind the footlights.

So… what you want to know is – was Making Up worth waiting for? Absolutely. Is it as good as Act Like It and Pretty Face? Weeeeeell… not quite. Don’t get me wrong – it has all the ingredients that made the other books in this series such great reads. The two principals are appealing, the dialogue sparkles, the banter zings back and forth and the romance is well-done… but it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor which, for my money, is the strongest of the series.

Towards the end of that book, Trix Lane, best friend of the heroine, Lily, was just emerging from an emotionally abusive relationship with a guy who had gradually been separating her from her friends, belittling her profession and eroding her self-esteem. Fortunately, Trix managed to extricate herself before things got worse, but it’s left some big emotional scars and serious dents in her self-confidence.

At the beginning of Making Up, the lead aerial performer in Festival of Masks – an odd mix of carnival, rock concert and dark fairy tale with a bit of smut thrown in for good measure – is hospitalised after an accident on-stage. A combination of circumstances conspires to catapult Trix into the limelight to take over the role at the next performance and for the foreseeable future. But Trix – who would in the past have jumped at the chance to get out there and show what she’s made of – is terrified. It doesn’t help that the stage manager is a prick who never has a kind word or word of praise for anyone, but Trix knows the problem goes deeper than that. She is fully aware that this newly found lack of assurance is a hangover from her relationship with Dan St. James; somehow his backhanded compliments and subtle and not-so-subtle digs and jibes insidiously wormed their way into her psyche and they’re hard to shake off.

Leo Magasiva has known Trix on and off for years, ever since they were at school. They had been good friends once, but a nasty, unguarded comment from Leo, followed by Trix’s departure for a posh boarding-school put paid to their friendship, and they’ve been at daggers drawn ever since. Somehow, though, they have never been able to completely avoid each other, running into one another at various events and gatherings over the years, and taking advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a game of verbal one-upmanship.

A talented and widely respected make-up artist, Leo’s career has taken a nose-dive courtesy of an actor who failed to disclose his skin allergies. Which is how come Leo is prepared to take a short-term gig in the West End; he can lie low for a bit and also get ready for a major make-up and special effects competition being held in London which he’s hoping might open doors for him in the movie industry.

As soon as Trix and Leo set eyes on each other, old wounds are reopened and old hurts resurrected. Leo isn’t thrilled about working in close proximity with Trix, and she’s openly hostile to him while she’s friendly with her cast-mates, and one guy in particular. Leo immediately labels her as a fake and a flirt, although it’s very clear that his antagonism is rooted in jealousy and something else that relates to their past. Fortunately, however, the author doesn’t string out the issues that lie between them for too long and the misunderstandings that led to the end of their youthful friendship are cleared up well before the half-way point. The sexual tension that has been simmering between them since their first scene (and for the past decade!) finally boils over, but it’s clear that keeping things casual is going to be difficult for both of them and Trix, especially, is terrified. Insecurites continue to plague her about her professional ability, and the thought of trusting a man again, no matter that she knows Leo is nothing like her ex… it’s all too much and she’s finding it hard to cope.

Fortunately for Trix, Leo is an amazing guy. He’s generous of spirit, insightful and incredibly supportive, knowing when to push and when to hold back, watching out for Trix even as he’s worrying over his younger sister who, for most of the book is a total bitch and is clearly unhappy about something but won’t open up to him. He refuses to allow Trix to lose sight of who she really is – “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met” – or to give up on herself or on them.

There are many things to enjoy about the story, not least of which is the fact that Leo and Trix come across as adults who have real conversations dealing with complex issues and emotions. Their banter is witty and perceptive; Ms. Parker has a way of using verbal sparring between characters to illuminate their weaknesses as well as their strengths and while the level of snark varies from the gentle to the punishing, it’s never downright nasty. The secondary characters are well-drawn and the backstage camaraderie is the perfect mixture of heartfelt and cynical; Trix and Leo are talented people, both ambitious, dedicated to – and supportive of – their careers, and the overlying message of the book is one we can all identify with, the need to find happiness where we may, amid “life in all its occasional shittiness.”

While Making Up doesn’t quite rise to the heights of the previous books in the London Celebrities series, it’s nonetheless an extremely entertaining and enjoyable novel and one I’m more than happy to recommend. Funny, sexy, poignant, warm, intelligent – and I haven’t even mentioned the cute baby hedgehog yet – it’s the perfect summer read.

Grade: B+ / 4.5 stars

I have adored Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series thus far. Considering, until now, there have been just two books released in this series that could seem like a ridiculous claim, but I’ve read those two books several times already and they are firmly in the favourites category. It’s safe to say I knew I needed to read this book as soon as I heard about it so you can imagine my squeal of joy when I got approved for it on Netgalley. I downloaded the eARC so fast and started reading practically immediately.

It’s safe to say my expectations were high for this book and I already had my own idea of where this book would go based upon my glimpses of both Trixie and Leo in the previous book. Lucy Parker blew all those expectations and preconceptions out of the water. I was in no way prepared for the book I got and I’m pretty glad for it. One of my grumbles when I first began reading Pretty Face, the previous book in this series, is that I’d been concerned it was going to be similar to the first book simply because the tone felt similar and there were similarities to be seen in the romance between those characters. It was a superficial similarity, which I soon realised as I got beyond the first couple of chapters, but it was one of my initial thoughts as I was reading. I didn’t have that concern when reading this one. Making UP has a different tone and a different kind of romance. It was a second chance romance and it was so very enjoyable to read.

Trixie is a circus artist with pink hair and a whole heap of personality. Anyone who has read Pretty Face will know is she’s coming out the other side of an extremely toxic relationship and her entire sense of self has been shaken by that relationship. This is the aftermath of all of that and she is slowly adjusting to the after and learning who she is once more on the back of that. She doesn’t have anytime for Leo Magasiva, with whom she has a whole heap of history she doesn’t want to get into and she most certainly doesn’t want to be working with him. He doesn’t have quite the same problems with her, but that’s an element of their relationship which I will not reveal in this review.

I wasn’t certain how I felt about Trix and Leo together. We only had a small glimpse of solemn Leo in Pretty Face, and there was certainly no hint of their past in that book. And Trix is coming out of coming, but even so she was a live wire and a bundle of energy and I’ve heard of opposites attract but I was going to take some convincing to believe them together. Turns out, I was totally wrong to have doubts. There were hidden depths to both of them and exploring their past was just the best. I mean, there were sparks flying off the page when they were together and I as time progressed I was rooting for them to sort their shit out and just get together. And the epilogue near enough killed me. Seriously, the epilogue is one of my favourites I#ve read because it felt real.

Definitely another book added to the favourites list and it surprised me. Second chance romance can be really hit or miss for me. I sometimes find myself rolling my eyes because even though we’re told it’s a second chance romance it comes across a bit insta-lovey because I don’t believe their history, this time that didn’t happen at all. I will be rereading soon with it’s release.

[Book CW: abusive relationship mentions, panic attacks]

Okay. I don't know what is in the New Zealand waters but like??? Lucy has managed to give us greatness for three consecutive books, and if that isn't black magic then I don't know what is.

Kidding. It's obviously pure talent, not magic.

Although Pretty Face remains my favourite book (so far) in this series, I have so much love for Making Up. I finished the ARC weeks ago and when my pre-order came through I did another reread, and I love this book even more.

Talent, I tell you.

Sigh. Where do I start?

I love Trix so much, she's such a great character. I admire her strength and resilience, and I even love her flaws and fears, because that makes her much more relatable and human. She survived an emotionally abusive relationship, and her art is affected from the trauma of it. It breaks my heart a little to see her struggling to recover her self-confidence and seeing her doubt herself.

Leo is hilarious, I love him. He's a bit of a prick, but that quality is needed when you have to verbally spar with Trix. Leo's wit and snark actually reminds me a lot of Richard, but while Richard's a bit of arrogant son of a banshee, Leo is more on the smartass side and definitely less broody. I love his passion for comics and special effects, and he is such a good brother too??? Also, did you know that he keeps a hedgehog named Reggie? Adorable.

I love Trix and Leo together even more. Making Up started with these two having this animosity laced with sexual tension, and it was so entertaining to watch them butt heads. The banter was so good! They're both a pair of smartasses. What made me adore them as a couple is the fact that they had history. Trix and Leo knew each other for a long time, so they knew each other even though they did spend 10 years going for each other's throats whenever they were in a room together. They knew each other best. I love their intimate moments just as much as I love their verbal sparring.

"You know, when you're not annoying the hell out of me, you might be my favourite person."

Oh yeah, it's worth mentioning that Making Up is full of my favourite tropes: enemies to lovers (obviously), second chance (Trix and Leo were once tight in high school until their falling out), forced proximity (they are roommates)...

This book definitely hit all my kinks.

Overall, Making Up exceeded my expectations, and the epilogue made me cry, it was so lovely. Did I mention Lily and Luc also had cameos in this book? I'm so glad that we're getting two more books in this series because I'm not ready to part with this world and characters. If you haven't read this series, you're missing out!

Making Up is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers novel with a fantastic banter and great chemistry between the characters.Both are lovable and interesting! I liked Trix and Leo together, the support, the admiration for what the other can do professionally it was one of the best parts in the story!Now I definitely have to read the rest books!!

Anyone who is a fan of enemies-to-lovers needs to read this!

No one writes romances like Lucy Parker! The banter between the MCs, Trix and Leo, is so smile-inducing. The writing was on point, and the romance leaves you completely satisfied.

Beatirx Lane finds herself as the star of The Festival of Masks after the lead performer gets hurt. Leo Magasiva is the new makeup artist of the production, Trix's bane of existence.

Individually, Trix and Leo are spectacular characters! Trix is creative, passionate, and just an overall force of nature. Leo is snarky, but very kind and caring. I loved them both so much.

I'm always a bit wary of the enemies-to-lovers trope. It can get messy real quick, but I had faith that Lucy would do it justice! She always makes sure the romances between the characters are organic and natural. She also makes sure the characters have something outside their romantic relationships: like friendships, and their dreams and goals.

This romance is absolutely swoony. If you're a romance fan and aren't reading Lucy's books, why??

I highly recommend this author if you have yet to try her. This is the third book I’ve read by her and they have all been adorable and sweet and sexy. In Making Up, we return to the theater, but in a burlesque/acrobatic show. The Festival of Masks is a little bit of everything – lewd humor, amazing aerial skills, singing, dancing and it’s a very popular show. When one of the lead aerialists gets badly injured during a performance, Trix, our pink-haired heroine, gets called on to replace her. Trix lost a lot of confidence in the past few years. Due to being in a relationship with a man who put her down constantly among other things, she has lost some of that self-esteem. She wants this role, but she is scared to death.

Leo is our hero. A former rugby player, he is now a renowned make-up artist, although his passion lies in special effect make-up. Unfortunately, during a previous big job, a big star had a huge cosmetic allergic reaction to his make-up, and he is now in need of work. There is a make-up job open in the Festival of Masks, and he agrees to it, even though he knows he is to be reunited with his former flame, Trix.

Trix and Leo have a romantic past – but it ended after miscommunication and harsh words. But employment brings them back together – so we have a second chance at love trope, and even better, enemies to lovers. These two do not like each other due to years of bad feelings that have built up.

Leo Magasiva. Top London makeup artist. Wizard of special effects. Possessor of beautiful voice and aggressively hipster beard. Pop-up dickhead.

Beatrix Lane. The extremely short bane of Leo’s existence

Although they give each other a really hard time at the beginning, Leo realizes that Trix really needs some support in her new acting role. Underneath the sarcastic banter, Leo is such a good guy. He gently and quietly starts to be her support system, as their relationship slow burns into a romance. They spend more and more time together (doesn’t hurt that Leo ends up renting a room in Trix’s apartment) and their slow burn romance does a 180 into sex and it’s so cute.

She was too exhausted and satisfied to really focus on the reality that kept knocking at the edges of her brain, that this was Leo. This was her and Leo.

He released his breath in a sigh, turning his head lazily to kiss her forehead.

“God,” he said, and she tensed. Perhaps he could offer some weighty words of wisdom that would throw some light on how they’d ended up here.

“I’m starving.”

Simplicity, thy name is man.

They truly love each other, but that darn messy past and Trix’s previous abusive relationship will pop up to make their romance journey a bit rocky.

“Leo?” Her voice was quiet.

“Mmm?”

“Is this going to be a problem? What happened tonight?”

His hand tightened on her. At last, he said, “Do you regret it?”

Her breath, still faint and ticklish against his skin. “No. But I don’t… I can’t—”

He closed his eyes. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, Trix.” It was the only thing he could say.

It was also a total bloody lie.

It was them.

It was going to be completely fucking complicated.

Besides Trix and Leo, we have an outstanding cast of supporting characters. Jono, Trix’s best friend in the cast is a lot of fun, and causes Leo a great deal of jealously. Trix has a good group of girlfriends and guy roommates that made me smile.

Even two very cranky characters, Trix’s boss Marco…

Somewhere, even the Sith Emperor was looking at this guy’s management style and thinking “Bit harsh.”

…and Leo’s attitude-to-the-max sister, gave this story a lot. I also loved the backdrop of this theater performance. The author does a great job putting the reader in the theater.

It’s a book full of delightful characters, a super sexy romance, and just a fun story. I really recommend this author to everyone.

Grade: B+

It’s time for a new Lucy Parker book! She is an author who has been on my radar since I finished her first story, Act Like It. With each new book, she delivers a compelling and lovely romance.

Trix is a successful circus artist. She has an important role in a West End production and enjoys it. Recently, things have become a bit shaken up in her life, both personally and professionally. One of the leads of the production fell during an aerial stunt and hurt herself. Trix now has a chance to take over that role but it’s far from how she ever wanted to move up in the production. And well, frankly, she’s not sure if she’s even up to it. Her confidence is badly broken from a verbally abusive relationship. She wants to be herself again but she isn’t sure how to even get there. Enter Leo Magasiva, her nemesis.

Leo isn’t even surprised to be working on a show with Trix. Like a bad penny, she just turns up. Unfortunately, his career is also in shambles. Leo is a very talented makeup artist but one of his recent jobs did not go well. An allergic reaction has him on the outs of the community. The job with the circus company is just temporary as he is hoping to win a big makeup artist contest.

Trix has never gotten over hearing Leo talk badly about her as a teenager. (This may be my only hangup with the story, how long she held on to this grudge.) The story settles into itself really nicely once the air clears between Leo and Trix. Their relationship is romantic, sexy, and complex. Neither of them is at a great time in their life for a relationship, especially one that is already creating big emotions.

This book pulled me in quick. I really liked learning about Trix’s job. It’s clear yet again that Lucy Parker does great research because I found both the circus world (not a typical circus, more like cirque du soleil) and Leo’s job as a makeup artist master to be fascinating. The behind the scenes peek into making these stage performers come to life for audiences was really well done.

I also really, really loved how Leo and Trix bonded over their love of fandom, in this case a made-up show and book series called Galaxy Agent. As a person who has fallen in love with many fandoms, this made my day. I love a little geek in my books!

At the heart of it though, I really enjoyed watching these two characters support each other and work together. Trix is at a real low point in her life and Leo comes along to help push and poke her into finding her confidence again. Of course, he is not the real catalyst. That is Trix one hundred percent. But Leo is there for her every step of the way. As for Trix, she is equally supportive of Leo. He is hoping to reclaim his career but at the same time he is dealing with some family drama in the form of his sister, Cat, who has become an angry young woman seemingly overnight. Trix is there to reassure him that this too shall pass.

Making Up is another lovely story from Lucy Parker. If you haven’t seen the artwork depicting her characters yet, be sure to visit her website. I really love the illustrations of the characters and Trix and Leo in particular are captured so beautifully.

Making Up is available now! You do not want to delay on this book. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out the first two books in the London Celebrities series too if you haven’t had the chance. You will not regret it.

this was absolutely AWFUL because now it is OVER and i have no more Lucy Parker books to read! rage!

obviously kidding. I've had this one for a couple of months, but I kept putting it off because a) I didn't want it to be over and b) wanted to read as close to release date as possible. And I did, hit release date right on the head. But now it's over and it's sad.

I need to make one of those shelves 'could sh*t on paper and i'd read it' or something along those lines, so I can add Lucy Parker to that list. I am genuinely annoyed that she does not have more books for me to devour (kidding.... mostly).

Ok, let's talk about this book.

that epilogue! my feels. my heart. gah. I adored all the characters, though I could have done without the sister being as horrible as she was and while we are talking about things we could do without the bad sex when they were fighting, meh i'm okay with not reading about that but other than that, this book had everything i've come to expect from a Lucy Parker book - fantastic characters, well written, fast paced, feelings, laughs, sexy and adorable. Five stars, out of this park, please write more Lucy Parker, I need it in my life.

Right away let me say how much I am in love with this cover! The lighting on it is breathtaking and highlights the couple so beautifully. It also give a vague vibe of the setting very well - which is London in a Cirque du Soleil type show. Which is something Parker does so well, create incredibly unique settings that I don't read much and I really appreciate that!

This is book 3 in Lucy Parker's London Celebrities series and every one has been a bit unusual with unique characteristics. This one has the setting plus characters making it a standout for me. Trix was in the previous book and was in an abusive relationship before so her confidence is not quite the best. She's a circus artist so confidence is quite important in her every day life when she's performing. I adored Trix, who had a fiery personality and pink hair. I really liked seeing what Parker managed to do with balancing Trix's strengths and vulnerabilities so deftly. And her past was not so firmly in the past mentally which was nice to see a heroine have to deal with mental health issues so front and center like this.



The hero, Leo, is just as excellent. They have a history and quite a lengthy one. So this is pretty much second chance and enemies to lovers rolled into one. Leo had so much growth in this book - just like Trix which is something I love about Lucy Parker's writing. I find stagnant characters boring and what's the fun in reading that? Also, he's a makeup artist! That makes two new jobs I hadn't read before. He's also black, which is important for 2 reasons. 1, he is ON THE COVER, which I already mentioned I love (and omg I do). Yay for black characters on romance covers! I want to see more of that. 2, he is the hero, not a secondary character. Yay for black heroes! I want to see more of that too.

There is also a very important secondary story line that ties in smoothly to the main one. It deals with Leo's bratty sister who at first was feeling so flat but by the end is completely a fully fleshed out character with such depth and heart that it just emphasized how much I love this author. And now I want her to have her own freaking book. Now that's some talent. I can't wait for more from Lucy Parker!

I love the previous two books in the series and have been looking forward to reading this one for what feels like ages. It's another fantastic contemporary romance set in the world of performing arts (she is an airelist, he does stage make-up) I enjoyed a lot about this story but I also had a couple of minor issues with it.

This is a second-chance enemies to lovers story. I liked the tension between the MCs and how they came together, first just as colleagues working on the same project, then as roommates and finally as lovers.

Trix is a great heroine, we get to meet her in the aftermath of her escape from a verbally abusive and manipulative relationship. We see the whole process of her going back to herself, regaining her confidence and professional ambition, re-learning to trust her judgement and to rely/be more open with her friends. It was a difficult journey that i found so easy to relate to at times - she had panic attacks and anxiety peaks, she made mistakes at work and it too her a long while to finally being able to discuss her issues with a psychologist. And in the midst of this painful journey back to herself, she fell in love

Leo too, was at a bad place when they met - he was dealing with some heavy stuff, professional problems, personal issues with his sister (two of them made their own family). They were like archnemesis for years after being very close (and in love with each other) in school due to a misunderstand caused by someone else. While I usually hate misunderstandings as the root of the conflict in romance, it worked for me here because it happened when they were teenagers and they both overreacted.

I liked Trix and Leo together, the support, the admiration for what the other can do professionally. It was so important, it made all the difference from her previous relationship.

Now, there were two scenes that I found unpleasant and which affected my overall enjhoyment of the story. Minor spoiler ahead!

The first is the opening scene where a fellow performer vomits all over the heroine and then they proceed to talk with a couple of people, including the hero, for a while before they get the chance to shower. It was weird and yucky, definitely felt unnecessarily prolonged.

While I found this scene simply annoying, the other one was more problematic. The heroine woke up to the hero painting/applying make-up to her body while she was still asleep. It was not sexual for either of them but it made me feel uncomfortable. She woke up worried, disoriented, not knowing what as happening and the hero not seeing anything wrong about his action was not Okay for me.

I absolutely loved the epilogue - we get a glimpse of Trix and Leo as a couple a few years down the road and it was perfect for them and made me so happy.

Despite the above-mentioned two troubling scenes, I quite enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. It was a touching story about dealing with manipulation, self-doubt and learning to trust yourself and others again.