My Lady Lipstick

By: Karin Kallmaker

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Anita Topaz, Queen of the Bodice Rippers, is deliberately a woman of mystery. But pressure is mounting for Anita to reveal herself to her clamoring public. It's scrutiny that writer Paris Ellison can't allow, especially since the glamorous "Anita" is a work of pure fiction.

Lady Diana Beckinsale excels at disappearing into a good role. Especially if that role gets her close to certain objects she desires. When Diana proposes the perfect solution to Paris' predicament, Paris is less than enthusiastic. She can't let someone as unsettling and observant as Diana get too close.

But Diana is persistent. After all, if she and the handsome, secretive Paris both get what they want out of an unorthodox arrangement, then it's a win-win for them both.

©2018 Karin Kallmaker (P)2020 Tantor

Really Good Story!

I’ve been a big fan of Karin Kallmaker from way back! This is one of her best stories so far. There was suspense, intrigue, there was a very charming thief (no spoilers!), and a main character who suffered from severe anxiety. It was actually quite educational to experience what Paris went through when experiencing an anxiety attack.

This was actually a very sweet story that developed slowly but with excellent taste.

Abby Craden was also excellent as the narrator and I loved her sexy British accent! It was wonderful!

Well done!

Good & Different

A lot of the reviews don't seem to offer much, so I wanted to offer some detail. It's revealed early on that it's a love story that involves a thief, so, I don't feel bad saying it. You have an author, who was a former game designer, who struggles with anxiety, who meets up with an actress/thief and the story ensues.

At first it seemed kind of slow and it may have been because I don't have anxiety, but in a weird way, the build up around the main characters struggle with anxiety reflects in the pacing.

There are some really exciting things in this story though that I want to highlight. First, I'm familiar with RPG games, as well as gamergate, there's referencing to this throughout and Paris (main character) thinks in terms of RPG video games, which was cool. Yet, of you don't play or aren't familiar with gamergate elements, it won't stunt the novel for you. Yet, for those who are, it gives a bit of excitement.

Second, the anxiety by a character is real and done in great detail. I know in some stories, like Melissa Brayden (who I love her stuff) anxiety is mentioned, but behaviors don't mirror it in the characters, nor is it carried throughout. In the case of this writing, it's there, pervasive, and done in a manner that I think communicates it very well. It also belies my own lack of understanding surrounding it, which, hey, that's good, I learned things!

Some steamy sex, but you would be better reading Radcliffe for that, if that's what you're looking for, it's not all throughout.

Definitely a solid read, and I really loved Abby Creighton's narration, so that was enjoyable. The story actually could have done well without the less believable elements of intrigue surrounding being a thief, but solid, and it's pretty sweet.

Perfect beginning...

to what could easily be a long running series. The write up for this audiobook is perfect. It doesn't reveal too much. I'm not going to either but I will say it's worth the investment. The two main characters have good depth with the potential of other characters becoming fully rounded as the series unfolds...hint hint Karin!

Wasn't my favorite.

This title was very hard for me to get into. After struggling through the first several chapters the book was more appealing.

Captivating!!

A creatively fresh new storyline filled with twists and turns. The characters were unique and believable. The ending is unexpected…

It could not have been better

Every time I read a Karin Kallmaker book I think it could not have been better, and every time it is up a notch. This one was entertaining, interesting, beyond imaginary. I loved it. And with Abby Craden’s sexy voice who could ask for more.

Great book

Great book wonderfully written and narrated. It kind of reminded me of myself when I first came out. A beautiful story of two people not looking for love at first, but find it by falling helplessly in love with each other.

If only ❤️

I have no idea what inspired Ms. Kallmaker to write this story.
One protagonist is a very successful author running away from the traumas in her past by essentially hiding behind a false, yet very successful literary persona which allows her to disappear behind the smokescreen of a false name. The other is a shape shifter who, in the name of social justice, hides her identity behind multiple identities.
Without giving away any of the plot, the basic question is, “how in the world can two social misfits ever fall for each other without imploding?
Our skillful author, with the always wonderful Abby Craden, manages to pull it off with great empathy for her neurotic characters, and, with her obvious love for quirkiness and vulnerability.
In the hands of another author, I might not have loved this story as much as I did, nor might I have willingly suspended my sense of logic.
Thank you for making me smile. 👏👏👏😘

Love Karin Kallmaker

Another great team work between writer Karin Kallmaker and Narrator Abby Craden. I’ve listened to most books they’ve collaborated on and this is another great one.

Terrible

A Very boring story. Started it twice. Still couldn’t finish it. Just couldn’t keep my attention.