Things We Do for Love

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.

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.

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.

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 have to admit, I'm not a big Shakespeare fan! But, I think I may have been won over a little bit by this book!! Lucie is waiting for her big acting break when fellow actor Theo gatecrashes one of her Shakespeare performances. Outwardly they don't get on, but it's obvious there's a little bit of chemistry between them and I really did love Lucie and Theo's characters! Each of them have their issues but they work them out as their stories moves on. The storyline alternates between both of the main characters, so you get to see each of their perspectives as their stories unfold.

The location of the story in Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon was just delightful! Shamefully, I've never visited the town (unless driving through it counts!) but I will definitely be making a journey there. Following not just Lucie and Theo's performances across the town, but their various outings to other places for food and drinks was wonderful! I loved the ice cream shop and the Shakespeare themed names for everything was pure genius!!

The storyline however doesn't just focus on Lucie and Theo's blossoming relationship, but it shows how difficult it is to be in the acting business, especially with small companies who rely so much on charitable donations and seasonal footfall. It also shows us the cut-throat side to acting with unscrupulous directors and performers. This book was a true delight and with lots of quotes scattered through the book by the great man himself, and coupled with Lucie and Theo's stories, the author has produced a wonderful Shakespearean themed romance with plenty of love, fun and laughter throughout! I absolutely loved it!! Would recommend!

I love Miranda Dickinson’s writing not so much Shakespeare but she has given me an insight into him that maybe I should look at a bit more. Lucie has 4 jobs to make ends meet in Stratford upon Avon while she hopes for her big acting break. Theo Millington is in Stratford to hopefully save his career ,when Theo gatecrashes Lucie’s performance at Shakespeares birthplace little does he know he has met his match. Cue fireworks all around. Set all around Stratford it’s very obvious that Miranda Dickinson knows it well and loves it. A fab read and a great idea to have so much Shakespeare in it.

A great read set in Shakespeares Stratford upon Avon.
Out of favour A lister film star Theo gatecrashes the soliloquy being performed in the Birthplace Garden for tourists.. He proves to be very good and is hired for the summer season.
There begins the loves and hates of this romance.
Well worth a read.