Making Up

Making Up follows the story of Trix Lane, a talented aerialist performer in London's West End theater district, and Leo Magasiva, a makeup artist and prosthetics specialist. Their history of antagonism stems from a past incident at drama school that left both with lingering resentment. The two find themselves forced to work together on a major theater production, where Trix performs death-defying aerial routines and Leo transforms actors with his special effects makeup. Their close proximity leads them to confront their shared past while navigating the high-pressure world of live theater production. Professional ambitions and personal fears collide as Trix deals with a recent accident that shook her confidence, while Leo faces his own career-defining challenges. The competitive nature of their industries and their individual struggles create tension as they reassess their relationship. The novel examines themes of trust, forgiveness, and the courage required to move past old wounds - both in relationships and in one's professional life. Through the backstage setting of London theater, the story explores how people can transform themselves and their perceptions of others.

Readers praise the enemies-to-lovers romance between a special effects makeup artist and an actor. The witty dialogue and chemistry between leads stands out in reviews. Multiple readers note the authentic portrayal of the theater/film industry and appreciate seeing the behind-the-scenes work of prosthetic makeup artists. Many found the pacing slower than other Lucy Parker books, with the central conflict taking time to develop. Some readers mention the hero comes across as too harsh initially, making his redemption feel rushed. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (240+ ratings) What readers liked: - Banter and humor - Technical details about SFX makeup - Theatre setting authenticity - Strong female friendship subplot What readers disliked: - Slower start compared to other Parker books - Hero's initial behavior - Resolution feels compressed - Less emotional depth than previous books in series Several reviewers note this works as a standalone despite being part of a series.

Act Like It by Lucy Parker Two London stage actors fake a relationship for publicity while working in the same theater company.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne Two publishing company executives compete for the same promotion while their mutual antagonism transforms into attraction.

Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren Two Hollywood talent agents become competitors at work after their agencies merge, complicating their budding romance.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon Two public radio employees pose as exes for a relationship advice show while developing real feelings for each other.

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher A law firm intern and her supervisor navigate workplace boundaries and mutual attraction during a work conference in Miami.

🎭 Making Up is part of the London Celebrities series, which focuses on the West End theater scene, but this installment uniquely features performers from a cirque-style show. 💄 The author, Lucy Parker, worked in theater costume departments before becoming a writer, lending authenticity to the behind-the-scenes details in her books. 🎪 The female protagonist, Trix Lane, performs as an aerialist - a discipline that requires incredible strength, with performers often training 20-30 hours per week to maintain their skills. 🎨 The male protagonist's profession as a theatrical makeup artist reflects a growing field; prosthetic and special effects makeup artists can spend up to 8 hours applying makeup for a single performer. 🇬🇧 The novel is set in London's West End theatre district, which draws over 15 million visitors annually and generates more box office revenue than Broadway in New York.