The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker

In which experienced West End actress Freddy Carlton takes on an Austen-inspired play, a scandal at a country estate, an enthusiastic search for a passion outside of acting… and the (some people might say icy*) heart of London’s most feared theater critic.

*if those people were being nice

Freddy Carlton knows she should be focusing on her lines for The Austen Playbook, a live-action TV event where viewers choose the outcome of each scene, but her concentration’s been blown. The palatial estate housing the endeavor is now run by the rude (brilliant) critic who’s consistently slammed her performances of late. James “Griff” Ford-Griffin has a penchant for sarcasm, a majestic nose and all the sensitivity of a sledgehammer.

She can’t take her eyes off him.

Griff can hardly focus with a contagious joy fairy flitting about near him, especially when Freddy looks at him like that. His only concern right now should be on shutting down his younger brother’s well-intentioned (disastrous) schemes—or at the very least on the production (not this one) that might save his family home from the banks.

Instead all he can think of is soft skin and vibrant curls.

As he’s reluctantly dragged into her quest to rediscover her passion for the stage and Freddy is drawn into his research on a legendary theater star, the adage about appearances being deceiving proves abundantly true. It’s the unlikely start of something enormous… but a single revelation about the past could derail it all.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you're looking for with an HEA/HFN. It's a promise!

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press – Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
After having read the three previous books in Lucy Parker’s London Celebrities series, I think I’ve come to the conclusion that The Austen Playbook is my favorite so far. I just loved every minute of it. I’m excited to read the next installment in Parker’s celebrity series. This is exactly the kind of charming romance read I’ve come to expect from Parker and I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it. I couldn’t get over the chemistry between Freddy and Griff, it was just so perfect! Freddy was such a delightful character with such a sunny disposition that you couldn’t help but instantly like her. Now, Griff was a bit of a harder sell, but eventually became a swoon-worthy character.

Although I’m not a big theater person, Parker always does such a phenomenal job of bringing the theater stage to life in her books. Having The Austen Playbook take place in the countryside was a pleasant change of scenery from the West End and every bit as enticing. Plus, despite being book #4 in the series, this can easily be read as a standalone.

All in all, a solid five-star read for The Austen Playbook by Lucy Parker. I can’t wait to see what Parker has in store for her London Celebrities series next!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series – and is just as brilliant as the others. I love the mixture of intrigue, theatre, and romance. Each one has managed to be different, and give us another viewpoint in the world of luvvies.

I loved how the links between Freddy and Griff were introduced to us, so that from the very beginning we can understand the issues between them, and yet the clarity with which Griff has homed in on Freddy's acting dilemmas. It would seem as we get to the heart of that matter, that he may be the only one who ever got it, but through him great things can happen.

There is an interesting power dynamic between them, which is always changing, and whilst restless, draws them together all the time. We get to enjoy them falling in love as well as becoming really good friends and confidantes, recognising kindred souls in a harsh working environment.

There are some lovely side characters, especially Griff's brother and his hilarious parents! Catching glimpses of friends from previous books is also a treat. All in all, a really enjoyable read, I was just sad when I turned the last page, as I could have read on and on!

Also Available in the London Celebrities Series

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Pretty Face post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press

For reviews & more info, check out our Making Up post.

Lucy Parker lives in the gorgeous Central Otago region of New Zealand, where she feels lucky every day to look out at mountains, lakes and vineyards. She has a degree in art history, loves museums and art galleries, and doodles unrecognizable flowers when she has writer’s block.

When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.

Her interest in romantic fiction began with a preteen viewing of Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book, as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.

She loves to talk to other readers and writers.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Austen Playbook (London Celebrities #4) by Lucy Parker to read and review.