As my first book of the London Celebrities series, The Austen Playbook was just the book I needed! From the beginning, I was immediately hooked to this story. I also love a good enemies to lovers romance and Freddy and Griff’s story was the perfect one. I loved the chemistry and banter between these characters. I couldn’t help in swooning over the connection and openness between Freddy and Griff. Those moments between them were some of my favorites. It also made me fall in love with this story and characters even more. Not to mention, the spicy scenes throughout this book was so good! I can’t wait to check out more of this series.

Lucy Parker is always a pleasure to read. I love the premise of this story and it was great fun to read.

For the third time in the series, I don’t think the author spends quite enough time building the romantic relationship. I liked both LIs individually but didn’t quite get to shipping it. Did enjoy Freddie’s arc & personal growth.

The Austen Playbook is the fourth book in Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series and it follows Freddy Carlton as she falls head over heels in love with the last man she ever thought she’d catch feelings for. J. Ford-Griffin is a critic who has given her some harsh reviews for her work in different plays so when she signs on to do an interactive play on his home ground, she’s not thinking about him at all…until he’s the only thing that she’s thinking of.

J. Ford Griffin is busy. He’s busy trying to get a movie off the ground but is getting pushback on that and with his family’s spending rising and not enough money coming in, he’s doing everything he can to make sure that they don’t lose their family property that has been in the family for ages. The last thing he needs is an attraction with an actress but Freddy Carlton keeps showing up around his property, in his thoughts and before he knows what’s what, Freddy Carlton is the woman he wants to be his forever.

Rowena: This was a really quick read for me and I really enjoyed it. Freddy and Griff were a wonderful couple and I really enjoyed their romance. What did you think, Holly?

Holly: This is my first book by Parker. Even though it’s book 4 in the series, it was the perfect standalone. I actually thought it was book 1 until you mentioned the others. I really liked the romance, though it took me a little bit to settle into the story. I’m not sure if it was my reading mood or the book itself, but the first 1/3 of the book was kind of slow. Still, I really liked Griff and Freddy. They were cute together. I loved how grumpy Griff was.

Rowena: I’m glad to see that you liked it. All of the books in this series can be read as standalones but I like that Lucy Parker has grouped them together since they all take place in the same world.

Yeah, I really liked watching Freddy and Griff grow closer and closer. I liked that their attraction was organic and it wasn’t one of those insta-love stories. We saw them get to know each other and I felt their connection throughout the entire thing so I was a happy camper.

Holly: Yes, it was great how they started as sort of enemies, became friends, then that turned into more. The progression felt true and natural, and I really liked how Freddy’s naturally sunny attitude worked on Griff.

I didn’t love all the theater drama. That’s not really my style. Every time Sadie came on page I wanted to punch her. I was sad she didn’t get her comeuppance.

Rowena: Yeah, Sadie needed to get punched in the face a time or two. So did Nick. The theater stuff was okay for me, we didn’t get enough of it to make me bored or anything. I was really invested in both Freddy and Griff, together and apart. I wanted Freddy to find the backbone to stand up to her father and I wanted Griff to figure out how to keep his family’s financials afloat without selling his soul. I liked seeing them really grow into their own and I loved that finding themselves, helped them grow together so all around, I just really liked this one.

I also really liked Charlie and loved that he finally found his purpose in life as well. So much good stuff in this one outside of freaking Sadie and stupid ass Nick. I heard that Nick is going to be redeemed in his own book (which I’m assuming is going to be with Freddy’s sister) and that’s good to know since I heard that Nick was named after our blogging friend Nick from The Infinite Limits of Love. 🙂

This book gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. What about you?

Holly: Don’t even get me started on Nick. I’m not sure he can be redeemed. I’m sorry for our friend Nick, because he’ll forever be Nick the Dick to me. haha

I was invested in Freddie’s personal growth and Griff’s determination to save his family. Though I’ll be honest, I don’t see why he didn’t hire a marketing manager for his parents. That bothered me. With direction they could have made quite a bit of money.

Charlie was wonderful. I really hope we get a book for him.

I’m going to give it 3.75.

Rowena: Nick the Dick….hahahahahaha. Girl, I’m crying. I have faith in Lucy Parker’s abilities. Just you watch.

Based on the title, I expected some sort of Jane Austen retelling out of The Austen Playbook, and I'll tell you right now not to expect that. There are some Austen references, largely in the form of the titular murder mystery play featuring all the main Austen characters, but The Austen Playbook doesn't borrow the romance elements from any of Austen's works. This could have been disappointing, but it was so good I didn't mind a bit.

So far, all the romances have been very much hate to love, and there's a slight element of that here, but not really. See, Griff is a theatre reviewer, and he's harshly critical, so Freddy's not a fan, but she doesn't have the personality for flat-out hatred, except for Sophie Foster and her sister's on-again/off-again boyfriend. From the beginning, Freddy's nice to Griff, understanding that he's doing his job and that, while his comments might be tactless, they're never off-base. Their initial interactions run more to wryly tense and uncomfortable than hate.

While I like their romance, and the fact that he basically looks like hot, grown-up Draco Malfoy, it's mildly instalovey. I say mildly because their connection is believable and sweet, but it does feel like it all happens rather too fast. As a result, I like them a lot as a ship, but wasn't having the frantic shippy flails of Act Like It or Pretty Face. As ever, there's a realism to the romance, and the way that the ship talks out conflict relatively reasonably and apologizes when they're less reasonable.

The main plot consists of Griff and Freddy researching their respective grandparents to uncover any missing facts about what happened during the creation of Freddy's grandmother's most famous play. The resolution was thoroughly unsurprising but well done for all that. The book was no less exciting for the fact that I saw everything coming. Given that romance readers like myself expects a certain amount of positive predictability in their reads, I don't think this aspect will be a drawback for anyone, as it unfolds in a really satisfying way.

Mostly, researching their ancestors is a way for Freddy and Griff to both get close and improve their own familial relationships. It's nice that both Freddy and Griff have family issues, and they're able to counsel one another on them. Of course, believably, neither is initially thrilled by the outside commentary, but with reflection they realize the truth of it, and with support they're able to take the steps they need to in order to improve their lives. Though I dislike him, Freddy's relationship with her father comes to a reasonable place, and Griff's relationship with his brother is adorable. I sincerely hope Charlie and Maya get a shot, because they had such Jane and Bingley vibes for a moment there. He's not in the theatre though, so I'm crossing my fingers.

I'm thrilled to see the next book, Headliners features Sabrina (Freddy's sister) and Nick, a rival newscaster. Their chemistry was excellent and ship-inducing in the background of this book, and I'm ready for the next book, which I thankfully am actually reading next.

The Austen Playbook is yet another amazing installment in the London Celebrities series. Parker has a deft hand with characters, not just with regards to the main romance but throughout the cast, that makes the books a multi-tiered delight.

*A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

<b>The Good</b>
* I thought this was a well written and interesting book. Lucy Parker has a great way with words especially when it comes to dialogue.
* Whilst some parts seemed a little over the top and dramatic I thought this book was very realistic where it counts. For example the romance, there wasn't a great big build up or all this stuff happening. Freddie and Griff just really fancied each other. There was no reason for it just chemistry which is refreshingly normal.
* The chemistry between them was molten. The more natural the romance the more it works for me.
* When it came to the characters physically I was super impressed. Neither Griff nor Freddie were perfect. There was no flat muscular tums. They had bumps, stretch marks and cellulite. It wasn't all this 'acres of golden skin' malarkey.
* The sex scenes were some of the most realistic I've come across which made them super hot. It wasn't the fantasy sex that is part and parcel of romance novels. It was the great, messy, slightly awkward sex that we have all had.
* I liked the two main characters especially Freddie who I thought was adorable.

<b>The Not so Bad</b>
* Whilst Griff and Freddie were great I didn't think the other characters were as strong.
* The 'bad guy' is a typical mean girl who pouts and has finger nails described as 'talons' for a book that did so well in other areas when it come to realism I was disappointed it fell back on this type of character. I don't think I've know one women like this and it really does our gender a disservice.
* I struggled to get into it. Whilst I liked the characters I never, truly, engaged with them.

<b>The Ugly</b>
* Despite all the good things there is about this book it is let down by the sheer amount of stuff that is going on in it. I like to read a romance with a bit of depth but there was just too much outside of the romance here. There were issues with family history, brothers, sisters, parents, jobs, expectations, sister's boyfriends, vapid cast mates and so on and so on. Then there are the issues with the romance on top of it.
* Griff and Freddie's grandmother and father had a long standing affair. It seemed weird to me that they then hooked up.

I started this hook but had a time getting into it. I'll give it another try at some point. I was really looking forward to this one but didn't feel the connection I expected.

Back near the start of the pandemic (remember how naive we were?), Harlequin sent out an email with a few titles for reviewers to check out because they thought readers might be looking for some sweet Happily Ever After stories to sink into. They thought correctly and I requested two that ended up being part of the same series - Lucy Parker's London Celebrities series.

The Austen Playbook follows Freddy, a theatre actress in London, and Griff, a theatre critic, as their lives collide. They've always been aware of each other, given their professions, but they're thrown together in the most unlikely of circumstances as Griff's family estate is playing host to a unique play that Freddy is taking part in. They're staging a play inspired by some of Jane Austen's most famous characters that will be aired on live TV. Not only that, the audience gets to vote on how the play proceeds. Sort of like a choose your own adventure but...televised live. Just a bit stressful, eh?

The next book is Headliners and, as you may expect if you've read the preceding novel, it features Sabrina, Freddy's older sister, and Nick. The two are evening TV news presenters and they've both taken major hits to their careers. The owner of the news station decides to make them work for their careers and they're thrust together to co-host the network's struggling morning show. They hate each other...at least, that's what they think at the start. As you may imagine, those feelings start to change.

Each novel could be described as an enemies-to-lovers story (though Freddy and Griff's is more of an opposites attract but they did know each other and I wouldn't call them friends or even acquaintances...I think there was a healthy dislike there). And, I admit, this is not one of my favourite tropes. Intellectually, I just don't love the idea of people despising each other and then, wham, they want to hop into bed together. But...I'll admit that many authors know how to tell a good story and I almost always end up enjoying the ride as the characters realize their strong feelings for the other have shifted in a surprising way.

I hadn't read the first books in the London Celebrities series but I don't think you really need to. I would, however, recommend you don't jump into Headliners without first reading The Austen Playbook. A lot happens in Freddy's story that directly impacts what happens in Sabrina's and you'll get a much better sense of the sisters and their lives if you read the books together.

I really adored Freddy and Sabrina. Their mom died when they were very young and Sabrina had to step up and become more mom than older sister to Freddy (which, of course, has it's own set of issues the pair had to deal with over the course of the novels). Their father was an actor but was injured on set and now managed Freddy's careers (again...much frustration, much drama). The women were close, which was so great, and they had their sibling squabbles like any others (made me miss my sister, that's for sure). They're both smart, funny, and had such warm and welcoming personalities that it was a delight to read their stories - and as the men in their lives realized that they had been idiots and could not live without them.

The setting of these novels was absolutely delightful. I had a whirlwind trip to Edinburgh before the world shut down and I also spent an evening hitting the top sights in London before flying home the next day. The books are set in London and I was feeling a bit nostalgic for the sightseeing tour my sister brought me on. I also liked that part of Freddy's story took place at a countryside estate because it was just so quintessential England to me. (Maybe that's just the Canadian in me.)

I think I liked Headliners more than The Austen Playbook but both of Lucy Parker's novels were a balm to this romance lover's soul while dealing with all the pandemic has brought upon us. They were sweet and sexy, fun and dramatic, and both had the most delightful Happily Ever Afters. Check them out if you're also in need of an escape!

*Copies of these novels were provided by the publisher, Harlquin, via NetGalley, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

*~~*ARC kindly provided from the publisher/author to me for an honest review *~~*

Full review to come

5 stars

This was a breezy romance. Freddy was a fun character who was perfectly opposite to serious Griff. We come to learn why they both behave the way they do and that just made me love their relationship even more. Weird cover image though as neither looks like the description of the main characters. I might one day be interested to read about Nick and Sabrina but I'd actually rather read about Griff's brother finding someone.

This was another well written and entertaining installment in this series. I enjoy the way this author writes and I think she does smart women well. This is a series I definitely recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.




**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I always love a good opposites attract story and you can't get more opposite than Freddie and Griff (and what is it about the name Griff that he always seems to be a grumpy gus of some sort in every story he's in! lol). The weird little mystery aspect of this one I could have done without but I enjoyed this story just as I've enjoyed all the others in this series and I am really looking forward to Sabrina and Nick's book!!

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2020 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2020/01/2020-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed the romance here, as this is an ideal Slytherin/Hufflepuff pairing. However I wish there had been a bit less focus on uncovering the Great Mystery, as it ended up weighing down the plot IMO.

Griff is the most wonderfully grouchy guy and Freddy is such a ray of sunshine. I absolutely loved them both so freaking much. I loved the clash and eventually the balance of their two personalities throughout this whole book.

The tiny elements of mystery surrounding their family history was a nice addition to the growing tension on the stage. I love books that go behind the scenes of movies/TV shows and going behind the scenes of this live action play was on different. I loved the tension and drama between the cast.

I loved watching Griff and Freddy learn new things and support each other while still remaining 100% themselves. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

I adore everything Lucy Parker writes and this was no exception, she can basically do no wrong. I loved the play within the book and all of the characters assembled. But Freddy is the star of the show for me, she was just so sweet and endearing but still is trying to survive. I absolutely love the HUfflepuff/Slytherin pairing here.

It’s super depressing that I didn’t get the chance to download this book in time to read it 😭😭 but for some reason it wanted me to write a review.

Thank you Netgalley for this opportunity, sadly because of me I didn’t get to read this!

The premise sounded amazing because come on who doesn’t love Austen inspired modern retellings? I think they’re my favorite.

This series is so great! I love how there is some slight overlap of characters between the books, and they’re all so distinct.

I’ve listened to all of the books on audio, and I did a combo of reading and listening to THE AUSTEN PLAYBOOK. I will say I was a little confused in the beginning, but that could have been because I was slightly distracted when first listening to the audiobook.

Freddy is an easy character to love. I loved seeing her learn to stand her ground and decide what's best for her, rather than doing things because she feels indebted to others. Griff was such a grump and I loved it. He felt the need to be the responsible one in the family, and put a lot of pressure on himself. Through his relationship with Freddy, he’s able to come to the realization that he doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t, take on all of the family’s problems himself.

This one had a bit of mystery to the story too with a hidden family secret concerning both Freddy’s and Griff’s family. I loved how the mystery unfolded.

Highly recommend this series if you're looking for a fun read you can easily escape with.

Anyone who has ever read any of Austen's books, knows it's full of witty dialogue and relatable characters. Add in that the book is situated in London (my fave city) and the Harry Potter-references and you've got yourself a winner. I look forward to the next installment in this series.

I adore this series. This one was fun as a mystery set against a current day preparation for a live production where the audience picks the direction of the play - so the actors have to learn a whole slew of branching scenes that lead to different endings. How stressful. This was also another fun opposites attract pairing with actress Freddie - who we've met in earlier books and Grumpy caustic reviewer Griffin. I loved the grown-up Freddie and her Slytherin. Is her sister up next with an enemies to lovers story?

ARC via netgalley - this is an unpaid review.