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.

Trigger warning: panic attacks, retelling of emotional abuse

If you’re looking for hilariously British contemporary rom-com, you can’t do better than Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series. Besides the sarcastic (and very British) banter, it’s a trope fest of enemies-to-lovers with a dash of roommate thrown in. I’ve very much enjoyed the first two books, and this one was no exception. While it is the third in a series, you could possibly read it as a standalone.

“Don’t even.” Trix was goaded, against her better judgment. “This is not a ‘we-bicker-because-we-want- to-bang’ situation. It’s a ‘he’s-a-tosspot-and-I’ve-learned-my-lesson’ situation.”
“I don’t believe I mentioned sex,” Lily said sweetly. “What an interesting direction your mind took.”


Ms. Parker excels at wonderful characters and witty banter, and Trix and Leo are no exception. They’ve been enemies since attending the same drama high school, and while they’re not exactly in the same orbit (Trix is a circus aerialist and Leo is a makeup artist), they end up working together – and rooming together – on the same production. The sarcastic banter between the two of them is absolutely hilarious, and it just serves to ratchet up the sexual tension. Thankfully, they get to the bottom of the source of their enmity rather quickly in the book, though they still need to deal with angry bitchy sisters, hedgehogs, a reality TV show crew, and a cosplay convention. One of the cutest parts of the book is that they’re both huge nerds for a particular TV show and it was just so spectacular to watch them bond over it.

“I’m getting in character. Channelling Doralina and her incredibly useful ability to make men disappear.”
“Something you have in common lately, from what I’ve heard.” His voice was light, but there was a note in it that made her look up.
“Excuse me?” she said dangerously.
His firm lips tilted at one corner. “People keep assuming I’m avidly interested in your love life. Three-date rule, is it? Before you apparently kick them so hard into the friend-zone that Manchester United’s talent scout comes knocking on the door.”


Trix is still recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship that has badly affected her self-confidence. While, quite obviously, it’s made her prickly about any new relationships, it’s also affected her professionally. Due to another performer’s injury, Trix has to take over one of the main parts, one that is much more technically difficult than her current role. While it’s something she certainly would have been capable of in the past, her ex has her second-guessing her talent, to the point where she even questions whether she wants what was once her dream role. Leo’s also struggling professionally after a client didn’t disclose an allergy and had a pretty bad reaction to his makeup. He’s pinning his hopes of a Hollywood career on winning an SFX competition. Unfortunately, he’s distracted by his sister who, since her return from school in America, has been angry and dismissive, and suffering his own anxiety about his future.

“Exes, anxiety, bad days at work, pain-in-the-arse sisters, awful bosses. It’s all part of the package, isn’t it? Life, in all its occasional shittiness. There’s nothing that needs to be magically fixed before it’s somehow okay for us to be together.”


I was very pleased with how the aftermath of Trix’s relationship was dealt with. Both Trix and Leo suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, and one of the first signs of the change in their relationship is when Leo helps Trix through a panic attack at work. One of the threads running through the story is that, contrary to some self-help magazines, you don’t need to have all your ducks in a row before you start a relationship. Failing at a relationship – or getting involved with a complete jerk – doesn’t mean that there’s something intrinsically wrong with you that you have to fix before you deserve love. Life is messy, and it’s ok to hold on to the good things in the midst of everything else.

As for the rest, the secondary characters were also well done, though I think there were too many unlikeable ones. Leo’s sister Cat was just absolutely awful, and honestly I cringed a bit every time I realized a scene would have her in it. Add in Trix’s extremely negative boss and Leo’s competitor in the makeup competition, and there were just so many people to dislike. Also, I’m not usually a huge fan of epilogues, but this one made me squee a bit.

Overall, this was absolutely delightful, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a hilarious and angsty romance! I cannot wait for Ms. Parker’s next book!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After just three books from Lucy Parker, I am ready to sell my soul to her. There's something so special about her stories that make them not only readable but also re-readable. No joke, but I've re-read Making Up three times this year already. #noregrets Making Up still had the quintessential Lucy Parker elements to the story, but I thought Leo and Trix's story stood out on its own.

I loved Trix the minute we met her in Pretty Face. She was a wonderful friend to Lily, and there was a hidden sadness to her that I wanted Lucy to get rid of. Trix was even more of a gorgeous character in Making Up. I just love how this author's characters just have layers and layers to their personalities. We get to see Trix shine here and I didn't think it was possible to love this pink-haired aerialist even more than I already did, but I did. After an accident leaves the lead of her show hospitalized, Trix takes over the role as she's the understudy. Despite how excited she is about undertaking the new role, an abusive relationship has left her with very little self-confidence. It ached my heart to watch this girl go through moments of self-doubt when clearly she was incredibly talented, but her struggles were so real. As a reader, you want her to overcome everything and chase that happily ever after. It's not an easy journey for Trix, but slowly, throughout Making Up, you see her working through her issues and damn if I didn't cry in pride for all that she achieved.

On the other side, we have Leo. Oh, Leo! <3 I loved that he was a grumpy, quiet make-up artist, who is pet-sitting his sister's hedgehog, Reggie - seriously, how perfect does he sound already? In Making Up, Leo was going through his own issues which mainly involved a career setback and trying to put back his career on the right track. He was also dealing with his baby sister, Cat, who was back from America, with an unpleasant attitude. When Leo joins Trix's show as the make-up artist, sparks fly between the two. We find out that the two of them knew each other in school and that something happened that turned them against each other. There were some hints of animosity between the two in the beginning, but that obviously slowly changes.

Lucy Parker writes some of the most satisfying romances ever, and Leo and Trix's story was no different. Their shared connection, the way they helped heal each other and the banter just gave me so much life. I was either smiling like a goof or crying in happiness at every scene of theirs. I just don't know how this author continuously writes these love stories that make me ache and feel. I also absolutely love how romances don't rely on unnecessary dramatics or sources of conflicts. Instead, she uses realistic plotlines and we get to see the couple work through their issues *together*, which is so nice to see. Can I also say just how happy I was to see my favorites Luc and Lily finally tie the knot? That whole wedding had my heart flying. And I have to briefly mention the epilogue in Making Up. It's absolutely perfect, and gosh darn it, Lucy! She has really set the bar for all romance epilogues with this one.

As always, it took zero efforts for me to fall in love with Lucy's writing. With Making Up, she continues to prove that she's an author who is out of this world. If you love your romances with well-layered characters, Making Up, and everything else by the author are the books for you.

Lucy Parker became an instant favorite after I fell in love with the first book of her London Celebrity series. She has never fails to deliver on the swoons and the great characters. The third book, Making Up, is no exception.


We’ve met Trix in Pretty Face. She’s a circus artist and Lily’s best friend who was in an abusive relationship with Dan. That abuse took a toll on Trix and the aftermath was even more heartbreaking. She lost confidence in herself and her talents, and just when it seems like her career and life are in the doldrums, an opportunity to take the lead role in the long running show she's in dropped on lap right along with her old nemesis, Leo Magasiva.

We’ve also met Leo Magasiva briefly in Pretty Face. He’s a make up artist whose Holywood rise was derailed by an allergic reaction mishap. Now back in London, Leo joined Trix’s company as the head make up artist.

Can I just say how refreshing it is to read about a hero who is not a billionaire/Rockstar/biker/soldier but a makeup artist? I loved it. Plus, Leo Magasiva was just divine. Swoon-worthy, creative guy with a heart of gold. He’s the perfect man for Trix, and lord knows she needs someone trustworthy after Dan the snake oil man almost ruined her life.


"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.



The chemistry between Trix and Leo just leaps off the page and their banter was amazing. Lucy Parker definitely knows how to write banter. The relationship between Trix and Leo was complicated from the start. They had history and they had personal issues to deal with on top of everything. I of course, adored it because I love me some complicated.

It was delightful going back to the London setting of this book. I wish more contemporary romances are set there just to break the monotony of American set romances. I loved that the London described in this book is filled with diverse characters and it felt lived in. London’s West End is in and on itself a main character in the book. And oh, this book was also damn funny. It’s not slapstick humor but the sarcastic, offbeat, and deadpan kind, which I personally prefer.

There’s a new character introduced in this book which I feel readers will either love or hate. I wasn’t sure about it myself but I think I love to read more about this character. Fingers crossed Lucy will have something plan because it’s going to get interesting to say the least.


We do not squee over anything to do with this man, ovaries. Rein in the hormones immediately.



I enjoyed this book immensely. Although I’ll be the first one to say that it’s far from perfect. I had a bit of an issue with the pacing especially the middle. It was definitely slow during that part but it did pick up and finished strong. And that epilogue!! Loved it.

There is also a scene that might raise some discussion around consent. And after thinking about it and rereading that part again, I personally wasn’t bothered by it. I felt that something was already established between them. So I wasn’t bothered by it. I’m mentioning this, trying to be as vague as possible as to not spoil the book but I also feel that it’s a good point to discuss among readers.

Anyway, I still adored this book. Those little snags weren’t big enough to affect my overall enjoyment at all.

4 Show more
Review I loved this addition to the London Celebrities series, which focuses this time on sexy make-up artist Leo, and sharp-edged aerialist Trix. There's a bit more angst, perhaps because of the shared past between them, but not enough to cross into discomfiting territory. As usual, the world building (and casting) is top notch and there's an especially charming appearance from a hedgehog named Reggie. After all Trix went through in Pretty Face (London Celebrities Book 2), it was particularly satisfying to watch Trix regain her confidence and learn to trust again with Leo. He was a bit less in-your-face alpha than Parker's previous heroes, but his quiet strength and sexy nerdy charm were perfect for Trix. And her fierce, Sassy determination was perfect for him. Can't wait to see what Lucy Parker will bring us next.

Lucy Parker quickly became one of my go to authors last year with her London Celebrities books, her characters were witty and gave us so many laugh out loud moments, that I had a hard time putting her books down. So, I was excited about being reunited in this crazy world once again. I have to admit it did take me some time to get back with our characters, I remember Trix being mentioned in Pretty Face, but that felt like such a long time ago, so I appreciated Parker refreshing things along the way for us. Once again Making Up wasn’t without its drama, I adored the setting of the story, based around the West End stage, with everyone stressed out when a major acrobatic artist ends up injured and Trix is thrust into the limelight. Then we have Leo the special effects artist turning up and everything gets a little rocky especially because Trix and Leo have their own personal history. Despite the constant tension between Trix and Leo, and Leo’s sister being a complete nightmare, I once again loved the humour that Parker bought to the story, the sarcastic comments, laugh out loud moments and build up between Leo and Trix, had me flipping the pages in a frenzy. My only complaint about this book was that I found it a bit too predictable towards the end, but other than that, this is another book by Parker that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Making Up
London Celebrities - Book 3


By Lucy Parker
Carina Press - May 2018
Contemporary Romance


Trix Lane would never want the starring role due to an accident befalling a fellow cast member (or anyone for that matter). But Trix actually didn't even want the part. She was no longer the daredevil always looking to soar to new heights. Now, she still soared in her acrobatic performance, but it was safe. Secure. The thought of this new act brought a panic attack that she would never have had before her confidence had been shaken. Even worse than taking over a role she feared may be beyond her abilities was knowing that the new makeup artist was her old nemesis Leo Magasiva.
The sparks always flew when Leo and Trix were together, but Leo could see a difference in Trix. Now, she still tangled words with him, but he could see insecurities, fear, and caution. They might never have been friends, but Leo didn't like what he was seeing with Trix and intended for Trix to return to being the bright confident woman he knew she was. And maybe along the way, they'd find a way of making up.
Making Up is the third story in Lucy Parker's London Celebrities series. Trix and Leo have a long history of arguments, but they were both good people with solid friendships, and slowly losing the battle of keeping their disagreements going. But it isn't just a matter of them resolving the issues they have with one another, there are other obstacles being thrown in their way. Making Up does stand on its own, but I highly recommend the other stories, and hope there will be more.



Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Trix has been playing the comic relief character in a musical that involves acrobatics. Unfortunately, her costar has just broken her arm swinging into a dragon (the dragon won that battle) and now Trix, as the understudy to the understudy of the villian, now needs to take over. The original understudy has ended her contract. Trix is dealing with a tremendous loss of self-confidence and self-worth after getting out of a relationship with Dan the scumbag. He verbally abused and isolated her, which caused her to lose her love for her job, her hobbies, and struggle with her friends.

Leo turns out to be another blast from Trix’s past, when she was a young girl and you get the vibe that they had crushes on each other but something happened before Trix got a boarding school scholarship and left (it is explained later). Somehow they keep running into each other, and now that he’s working for the same company, they’re sharing a flat. Leo needs the money as he lost his last job when an actor failed to disclose an allergy to a makeup product. He’s also helping support his younger sister, Cat, who has returned from a year in New York studying fashion with a major chip on her shoulder. Cat is an absolute nightmare to everyone throughout the book, despite being called on her b.s. repeatedly.

Leo and Trix have mutual friends who are not missing the sparks between them. As they live and work together, they move away from sniping and snarking at each other to having actual conversations about things they both enjoy, such as illustation and Galaxy Agent. Trix is weary after her last horrible relationship and Leo is also currently in a make-up challenge competition that could result in a two year contract in LA. The book keeps coming back to timing and change – change in Trix’s role at work, change in their living circumstances, Leo’s temporary theatre gig as he works on the competition, falling for each other as it looks inevitable that they’re going to wind up on separate continents. Parker continues to deftly balance heavy situations with pockets of humour that characterize them throughout their struggles. One of the strengths of their relationship as is grows is that they both acknowledge their own struggles and how it presents challenges with them moving forward together. They don’t expect to fix each other. They need to work hard to get over the hurdles in their paths and support each other through it.

For the Lily and Luc fans, yes, you’ll get an update. And Cat Richard has awesome pet competition in the form of Reggie, the hedgehog that Leo is pet-sitting for his sister.

An A for me. I immediately read parts of it and then just wound up re-reading the whole book.

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.

<i> Happiness. She was, still unbelievably, happiness. </i>
"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.

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.

Note: Carina Press provided me with the ARC to review through NetGalley. Opinions my own.

Love this latest book from Lucy Parker. She continues to be on my MUST READ author list (and it's a short list!). Making Up does not disappoint, especially if you love enemies to friends stories! I loved that the hero had a non-traditional job, and the heroine's job is equally fascinating. Throw these sparring partners into the same flat, and sparks fly. Loved this book.

Before Making Up I’d not read anything by Lucy Parker, and now I’m wondering why I waited so long. I enjoyed this romance so, so much. It was sweet, and not filled with some of the things that irk me in most romance novels.

Right from the start I loved the setting. Trix is an acrobat in a show similar to Cirque du Soleil. I haven’t read a book with this setting in a while, and I thought it was done so well. The characters actually had to go to work and practice, and spend a lot of their time at the theater.

The story was also hate to love, which I LOVE. I was surprised at how quickly the two characters became a thing, but it was refreshing reading a book where they were in a relationship for most of the book. They also communicated when they were having problems! One of my biggest issues with romance novels is that the love interests don’t communicate, and so many problems arise from that. Instead of fighting and storming off, or quietly leaving because they want to protect the other person, they talk about what’s wrong and what they want to do to fix it.

This novel is technically the third in the series, but as with many romance novels, it can be read as a standalone without any issue. There were a few mentions of characters I presume are in the first two books in the series, but it was still easy to follow along with the storyline.

I honestly don’t know why I haven’t read Parker’s books before, but I know that I'm about to go buy her other novels and binge read them!

Lucy Parker just knows how to write books that make me want to live that world! She returns once again to the theater scene in London's West End, this time with our heroine as a starring aerial performer and our hero as a talented special effects makeup artist. So did this give me Face Off realness? Past misunderstanding, hate-to-love-you tension? Cirque du Soleil fun? Yes, yes, and yes... this was a really fun and quite thoughtful book that had a very satisfying romance & lots of interesting family dynamics thrown in to boot. Lucy Parker really is in a league of her own when it comes writing superb, short contemporary romance, and she is certainly an auto buy for me at this point. Would definitely recommend!

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

A really good mix of romance, grown up love and geek. Trix is wonderful, self aware and full of life. Leo is almost too good then I caught myself, nice, hot and good guy are just so rare that when you get one, you can't help waiting for the othef shoe to drop, the shoe never drops. Leo and Trix are two adults going after what they want with both eyes opened. The theater scene, the fandom space, urban London are perfect for Trix and Leo to find solace, love and peace with themselves and each other.

I wasn't able to get into this story. The third person narrative made it difficult to connect with the characters and storyline.

I really, really enjoyed this. In fact all three of these books have been an absolute joy. Like it's two predecessors this is a witty, snarky enemies to lovers romance and I ate it up with a spoon. If I could have read this in one sitting, I would have done, but train journeys/life etc got in the way. Hey ho.

The heroine of this is Trix - a talented aeriallist and musical theatre performer - who's had her confidence undermined by her emotionally abusive relationship with an exboyfriend (which I iirc we saw in the last book). The hero is Leo, a makeup artist suffering a career setback after giving a major movie star an allergic reaction. The two of them have known each other for years and been at each other's throats for nearly as long. The banter is great, the chemistry is great, the resolution - where we get to revisit Lily and Luc from the previous book - is great. The only thing that annoyed me was Leo's younger sister Cat, who was written to be an annoying character, but really, really, really was and wasn't sufficiently grovelly (for me at least) when she finally started to sort her issues out.

But - even with that caveat - I heartily recommend this.

“You know, when you’re not annoying the hell out of me, you might be my favourite person.”

Good lord, the chemistry between Trix and Leo is dynamite. I can't even start to say all the things I absolutely love about this book. Trix is an amazing spitfire, pink-haired, little pixie of a woman, who has some scars and issues she's dealing with that make her that much more real. Plus she's an aerialist in this awesome sounding show that sounds like Shakespeare meets Cirque du Soleil, so what's not to love? (I have a weakness for the circus arts, I will admit.)

Leo is also a gorgeous creature that I want to lick- wait, what? I mean, that is fully formed and wonderful. I love the way he cares so much about his sister (even when she's being a brat), and the way he calls Trix "Tinkerbell," and the way he's self-conscious about his hot body, and… Oh man, the list goes on. This is an AMAZING enemies to lovers romance that I just could not get enough of. And they're both such nerds, geeking out about the same show, drawing little barbed comics of each other and slipping them under each others' doors… Ugh, be still my heart. Fan of enemies to lovers romances, definitely check this one out right now. If you loved Sally Thorne's The Hating Game , definitely check out Making Up .

This is the third book in the London Celebrities series, but can be read as a stand alone. Trix's best friend Lily is the leading lady in the second book in the series, Pretty Face , so there are some minor spoilers for that book in this one (but not really anything you don’t know from reading the back cover of her book…) And since this book is AMAZING and you're going to want to read the first in the series as well, book one is called Act Like It and is available for only $0.99 on Amazon. So, you know, you can read it before Making Up comes out on May 28. ;)

4.5 stars

Synopsis: Trix is an aerialist in a stage musical production. When the main aerialist is injured, Trix is forced to leave her comfortable role and take on the new one. Although Trix has the ability, because of a bad relationship, she has lost confidence in herself and doesn't push or strive for more. Her night is made even better when one of the three people in the world that she intensely dislikes is temporarily hired on as a make-up artist.
Leo has known Trix since they were children, and they have been adversaries for much of that time. Leo doesn't like the fact that Trix seems to flirt with everyone, and he also doesn't like the fact that she seems to have lost the spark that she used to have while performing.

What I liked: Trix and Leo were both pretty amazing characters. Trix was trying to find her way back to herself after a horrible relationship, and in spite of the blockades that she put in her way, was making some headway. She is a supportive friend, and in spite of her acrimony toward Leo, admires his abilities.
Leo is so supportive, both of his bitter sister, and of Trix. Although Leo loves his sister, he also recognizes that she is being a complete hag, and doesn't put up with it. With Trix, he admires her ability, and even enjoys their less than friendly interactions. He doesn't let a lot faze him and keeps on working toward his ultimate dream.
As part of working on the play, Leo moves in to a shared living space with Trix. As they are forced to deal with each other on a regular basis, they start to get to know one another as adults. I really enjoyed the banter between Trix and Leo, and how clever they both were. Trix was a little bit more acerbic in her words to Leo, but the fact that Leo never really took offense to them made them even funnier.
The secondary characters are interesting, even the annoying ones.

What I didn't like: I felt as though Leo's sister was given too much leeway. Most people would have been fired if they acted like that, even if there were mitigating circumstances.

Overall impression: Leo and Trix were both lovely, and deserved one another. Told in alternating 3rd person POV, with a few brief flashbacks. This is the first book that I've read by this author, and it won't be my last.

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 stars - Frenemies with a crush that dates back to childhood, Leo and Trix (I really wish she had a better name) eventually find their footing not long after he becomes a makeup artist for a show in which she is a principal player. This is the story of their reunion which ultimately leads them to a HEA. Making Up includes minor characters that cloud the field between the main characters, though not with competition, and yet add interactions that clarify the essence of Tricia and Leo as strong, loyal and emotional characters.

It’s a decent read and likely most interesting to those with a theater or performance background.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Making Up by Lucy Parker
3.5/5*

I went in fully prepared to love this as I loved the previous books in Parker’s London Celebrities series but as much as I enjoyed Making Up, I don’t know if I can say that I loved it.

The blurb had me at enemies-to-lovers and Making Up delivered on that. Leo and Trix have been in hate with each other for years due to a huge misunderstanding. Given their friendship groups and the industry in which they work, they get thrown together here and there and never fail to deliver some well-placed barbs. Trix is an aerialist who has lost her confidence along the way and Leo is a makeup artist specializing is SFX (this fascinates me btw) who had an incident which has left him undesirable as an artist in the eyes of the industry.

One thing I freaking loved about this book was that once the misunderstanding between Trix and Leo was discussed and sorted out, it was done. No dragging it out, no sniping about it down the track. Love that. I actually really enjoyed their relationship and how they moved on from their past - both their past with each other and the difficulties they faced individually. I didn’t care for Leo’s sister, Cat and while I understand she has issues of her own, her attitude and demeanor took away from the pleasure of Leo and Trix.

I’m not sure if there’ll be another story to this series but I certainly hope there will be. As much as she annoyed me, I’d like Cat to find her HEA with someone who’ll put up with her!

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.