I love Miranda Dickinson so couldn't wait to read this book and it didn't disappoint. I loved the characters Lucie and Theo and although I'm not that down with Shakespeare I loved the conflict and the tension in this book. the chemistry between Lucie and Theo was on fire and I loved Ced the co-worker of the two leads who also performs.

I would absolutely read this, buy it (already pre-ordered), and recommend it to everyone.

If you like Shakespeare…..coupled with a good old fashioned romance, this will be right up your Stratford Upon Avon street. It alternates between Lucie and Theo, at very different stages of their acting careers. Add in an awkward ex to make the course of true love run less smoothly and you have a story with lots of plot twists and turns.
I have not read any of the authors previous books but I will look some out as this is a good read with a lovely romantic feel

A look at the behind the scenes action for plays and how the power dynamic can play out. Lucie is lovely, working several jobs trying to get her break in an audition and get herself on the stage. The sabotage by a disgruntled ex is central to the plot and his sliminess really makes him repulsive. The romance is cute although a lot of time is taken over the errors made and whether there will be a happy ending or not. A bit more backbone from the leading man would have been appreciated,

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for this ARC.

Lucie Hart is a struggling actress living in Stratford -upon-Avon, working three jobs, one of which is doing al fresco monologues from famous Shakespeare plays for a very small theatre company.

Theo Larkin is a disgraced Hollywood actor who has been given a last chance with an RSC production of Hamlet in Stratford. One day, he gatecrashes Lucie's monologue and speaks Petruchio to her Katharina. It's such a success that the Garden Players manager hires him for the rest of the summer, casting the two of them in dialogues of some of the most famous Shakespearean couples.

The story is told in alternating dual POV, showing their growing chemistry on and off stage, as witnessed by friends and managers.

Then my most hated trope of miscommunication and misunderstandings hits when Lucie's horrible ex Duncan throws stones into the love story, not unlike in a Shakespeare play.

I very much liked Lucie and Theo, but I have to admit that I didn't understand enough of the Shakespeare characters to truly appreciate the story. The constant rehearsals in the middle left me a bit bored but the ending made up for it.

This is well-written and the acting world in Stratford-upon-Avon is portrayed beautifully, but maybe you get more out of it if you know your way around more Shakespeare plays than I do. Though I did surmise that Theo's rivalry with Gabriel Marley should remind us of Shakespeare's rivalry with Christopher Marlowe.

It is funny, romantic and light-hearted but also quite predictable. I loved feisty Lilia and her Boys!

The queen of romance reclaims her crown!
I don't pretend to know much of the Bard's work, but through the wonderful writing of the author, I at last feel confident enough to brush up my Shakespeare. This is purely down to the skill of Ms Dickinson in creating a set of pure characters, especially in the main two protagonist's, Luci and Theo. Chemistry, drama, romance, this novel has them all.
My thanks to HQ and Netgalley for the reading copy.

This was the book of the year for me! I found myself smiling and laughing along with the very well written characters that flowed from the page, and the Shakespeare inspired ice cream was absolute genius, bravo, Lucie and Theo!

I’ve read several of Miranda Dickinson’s previous books so was excited to receive this one from Net Galley. thanks to them and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book is set in Stratford upon Avon and has a great Shakespearian back story. The two protagonists are actors, one more successful than the other. They are both talented and sparks fly when they act out various love scenes for tourists from well-known Shakespeare plays e.g. Romeo and Juliet and Taming of the Shrew. However the course of true love doesn’t run smooth in the present day and the story is told in alternate chapters from each of their perspectives ; something that really added to my enjoyment of this book.

I was excited to read this advance copy. It took some getting into. It is a love story with a lot of Shakespeare quotes. Set in Stratford upon Avon which I know well. It takes you into the world of Theo and Lucie . It is told through the two of them in alternating chapters.Some great other characters that I liked I .. Theo is a disgraced Hollywood star and Lucie holds down 3 jobs trying to make and she is held back by an arrogant man. Lots of twists in the story and a bit of political correctness . I found it slow to grab me. But Miranda Dickson is a great story teller.

I really enjoyed this book which is about hard up actress Lucie Hart and star actor Theo Larkin.
I enjoyed the way the book was written from both of their perspectives as I felt this really added to the romantic tension and made the reader see things from both of their points of view.
The chemistry between the two of them was evident from the beginning and I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. I felt the ending was perfect and this was a great romantic read which I would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Miranda Dickinson and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I'm a huge admirer of Miranda's previous works, and her latest offering certainly lived up to expectations.

The inclusion of snippets from Shakespeare's plays, the dynamic between the protagonists, Lucie and Theo, and their engaging internal dialogues and exchanges, rendered the Bard's works approachable and made me adore the narrative.
The depiction of Stratford-upon-Avon is enchanting, and experiencing it through the perspectives of both Lucie and Theo gave me the sensation of being there.
The connection between Theo and Lucie was palpable from their initial encounter and grew increasingly profound. This deepening bond drew me into their romance.
The unexpected turns and dramatic moments culminated in a delightful and memorable finale to this captivating and endearing romantic tale.

While I am a huge fan of Miranda Dickinson's novel, I approached this book with caution as I know nothing about Shakespeare apart from being overwhelmed by his reputation and the use of old English. I shouldn't have worried, while there are snippets of the plays in there, the dynamics between the leading stars, Lucie and Theo, their internal dialogue and the banter made the Bard's plays accessible and made me fall in love with the story.
The setting of Stratford-upon-Avon is beautiful and seeing it through both Lucie and Theo's eyes made me feel I was there with them and I longed to try a Titania's Dream gelato sundae.
The chemistry between Theo and Lucie was there from their first meeting and only became more intense. It made me invested in their relationship though it was Theo who captured most of my emotional attachment and I wanted to protect him from heartbreak.
I loved the twists and drama that led to a wonderful, unforgettable conclusion in this entertaining and heartwarming romance. Stratford-upon-Avon is now firmly on my place to visit wishlist and I need to listen to the audio version because I imagine it would be perfect with the right narration.