“Funny, sexy, poignant, warm, intelligent— it’s the perfect summer read.”—All About RomanceAuthor of Act Like It and Pretty Face Lucy Parker returns readers to the West End, where it’s fireworks onstage and off in a sexy enemies-to-lovers showdown.Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has … time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.
Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.
To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.
When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.
It seems hopeless.
Utterly impossible.
And yet…
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This book is approximately 82,000 words
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Fresh and interesting: makeup artist hero!
Lucy Parker is one of my favorite romance authors, and the third book in her London Celebrities series didn’t disappoint. Making Up has all the chemistry and heart and clever banter that Parker does so well. Pink-haired Trix, who’s carrying baggage from a previous toxic relationship, is possibly her most relatable heroine yet. And Leo! What a dreamboat!
I lovedlovedloved Making Up. I read it so fast, now I want to read it again. Well, after I read Pretty Face first. I’ve had that book for ages. Planned to read it after Act Like It while I was in England, but I never got around to it. I’m not sure if my opinion of Trix will change. We shall see.
For now, I love her. She’s feisty and vulnerable at the same time. Her confidence was shaken by a manipulative ex but she got past the insecurities, by herself and also with Leo’s support. I adore that she’s fiercely protective of Leo and had the hero moment with the saboteur. Also with Cat, the biatch sister.
And, Leo? I adore him. He’s everything a romantic hero should be. He’s had many bad things happen to him, but he did not turn bitter. He’s talented, witty, and oh-so-kind. His lines are swoon worthy.
Happiness. She was, still unbelievably, happiness.
“You make me happy. It’s as simple as that. And I make you happy. Whether you’re ready to acknowledge that or not.”
“Fight for me, too.”
Waaah, he made me cry. And laugh. Both of them did. Their banter was zingy and their sci-fi fandom is so endearingly geeky.
What I adored above all is Lucy’s writing. It’s so visual. She described the acrobatics, the makeup, the actions, the feelings so incredibly well that the scenes played like a movie in my mind. What a great talent. Another big plus is the fascinating secondary characters. They’re diverse and added so much color to the story without taking center stage.
If I have to look for something to complain about it has to be the numerous villains (Trix’s ex, the show’s stage manager, Leo’s saboteur, and especially Cat). I just loved the romance between Leo and Trix so much to the point that it overpowered my objections over the antagonists completely.
Making Up by Lucy Parker
London Celebrities #3
An aerialist and a makeup artist were classmates a decade ago. Something happened that caused their tentative friendship to become sharp and acerbic. Every time they have met over the years annoyance rather than pleasure has been experienced. The two are now working together as Trixie flies through the air and Leo works his artistic magic for the cast of a West End musical production. When Trixie is thrust into the limelight she has doubts…doubts that she never had before her self-confidence was rocked by a cretin named Dan. With her job on the line, her confidence iffy and Leo a thorn in her side it is a surprise to her that Leo steps in when needed, helps her through a moment then…eventually…they talk.
This is a wonderful story that is uplifting and just the way a relationship should be. Leo is a wonderful man who has his priorities set as they should be. He knows what is important and is willing to do what is necessary to achieve his goals. That said, he is also able to assess, communicate and be there for those he cares about.
I loved this story and hated to see it end. It made me smile and care and wish I knew people like Leo, Trixie and their friends in real life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin – Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
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.)
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!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Making Up (London Celebrities #3) by Lucy Parker to read and review.
I have really enjoyed books 1 and 2 of the London Celebrity books. I liked Making Up but not as much as the first 2 of the series. I liked the characters but did not love them like I did Luc and Lily, and Lanie and Richard. I did enjoy Luc and Lily’s wedding and being able to keep up with Luc and Lily through Trix.
4,5 stars
I’m a big fan of the writer Lucy Parker’s books. ‘Making up’ was the one book that I still had to read of the ‘London Celebrities’ series. I had try to read it when it came out but I couldn’t get into it (that sometimes happens to me). But after reading and enjoying ‘Headliners’ her latest book, I was in the mood for another story of this writer. So I decided to give ‘Making up’ another try and I’m very happy that I did because this time I enjoyed immensely.
I found it very interesting that although the story again took place in the West End theatre world, this time it was about a circus artist Trix and makeup artist (specialized in special effects) Leo. The chemistry about them was hot and sparkling in every way. In the beginning when they acted like enemies and during the story when the dynamic between them changed from enemies to lovers. Both characters were very likeable, Trix was this energetic, sparkling, bright personality and Leo was more calmer, intelligent and encouraging. In the story you get both POV’s.
It was great that we saw Lily and Luc from the previous story again. And Trix and Leo’s friends and roommates were great second characters too.
This was another great book in a wonderful series.
The books of Lucy Parker have that British touch I love. She does not publish many books, so it is a long wait in between.
Trix is an aerialist at The Festival of Masks, a theatre spectacle in the London’s West End. She is best friends with last book’s heroine Lily Lamprey. When a major role comes available, she is confronted with her own insecurities, brought on by her ex-boyfriend.
Leo Magasiva is a top makeup artist and a wizard of special effects. He has suffered a major setback in his career and decides to join the Festival of Masks for a short time. Of course that also means daily confrontations with Trix, the woman he has been trading insults with for the last ten years.
However, when Trix and Leo see different sides of each other and clear up a big misunderstanding from when they were teens, their chemistry sparks a hot affair.
I was happy the past was brought up very quickly in the story and did not stay around as some cloud above their heads. Their love story is very organic and sweet (hot also). Of course there are some difficulties in their way but in a true Lucy Parker-way they are dealt with. May I say how much I disliked Leo’s younger sister Cat?
The wedding of Lily and Luc from book 2 is in this book, which I enjoyed.
The epilogue was real sweet! I do hope Lucy Parker will write more in this series but I will read anything she writes. Even without a cover and blurb.
While I enjoyed this installment of London Celebrities, it didn’t have quite the same appeal as the first two. I wanted more of Leo and Trix, and it was a little late in coming. Still, their struggles are real and relatable, and I liked that they are self-proclaimed works-in-progress. I also really loved the epilogue. A very sweet ending.
Trix Lane, circus acrobat extraordinaire, has put her bad relationship in her past and is focused on giving the best high wire performance on the West End. When the leading lady has a bad fall, Trix is thrust into the spotlight at the same time as her old nemesis Leo Magasiva is hired as the makeup artist for her troupe. She and Leo grew up together and were once friendly, but that tension has long since turned into antagonism. Can they get past their hate for each other? Of course!
We saw a bit of Trix’s bad relationship in Pretty Face, as Dan, her ex, showed off his mean streak to Lily on her opening night. Trix’s self confidence took a beating and she is not ready to start a relationship and build that trust with someone else. She and Leo’s relationship takes a turn for the better but the actions of her past still dictate her future. I liked Trix a lot and especially liked the inside look at circus acrobatics. I grew a little tired of her insecurity and fear. For me, it went on for just a touch too long.
Leo was also introduced in the previous book as Lily’s make up artist, turning her into Queen Elizabeth in the play she was in. Mostly quiet, it was his looks that jumped off the page. I was glad to see the man beneath the exterior come to life in Making Up. If I had a choice between our two main characters, Leo was definitely my favorite of the two. He has also gone through some tough times, but he rose above his circumstances, or is trying to, and while he strives to over achieve his professional goals he does this with confidence and even a little bit of humility. He was just a little bit more likable than Trix.
This is my least favorite book in this series but that’s only because the first two were so fabulous! It would be hard to keep that high of an average. I did really like the change in scenery to a circus rather than a play again, but enjoyed the glimpse we were given into the lives of previous characters I’d grown to really like. I think when I read this one again, I’ll like it more than I did this time. I started it immediately upon finishing Pretty Face, which was my favorite in the series. I think it couldn’t help but lack a little in comparison.
I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a new voice in contemporary romance. It’s a fun setting, the characters have a ton of depth and show a lot of growth, and the romance is spot on. I’m still obsessed with this author and can’t wait for the next book to release in April.
4.5 Stars
I love this author’s witty sense of humor. In fact, the banter in the London Celebrities series is some of the best I’ve read. I won’t say that this is my favorite in the series, but it has a fun and poignant story line, as well as some truly swoony moments.
Loved this book set in the London West End theatre world. Great characters, witty dialogue and that fun feel that Lucy Parker writes so well.
I loved this book. It started out really slow at the beginning. I think Lucy Parker could have made the story longer. But non the less, I still loved it. Whether this book is a stand-a-lone or not supposed to be one, it’s pretty good. I definitely recommend reading this book.
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.”