* A huge Thank You to Lotte R. James, for sending me a copy of her new book in exchange for an honest review.
A love story on stage
And one waiting in the wings?
Ruth Connell’s beloved
theatre is under threat! In desperation, she approaches reclusive playwright
Artemis Goode. If Artemis can write a hit, Ruth can save her troupe from
financial ruin. Yet it’s not just Ruth’s livelihood in need of saving, but
Artemis’s shattered heart too. As quickly as their personalities clash, their
passion ignites! But whilst that leads their play towards success, it also
leads Ruth closer to the end of her partnership with Artemis…
My review
A Liaison with Her Leading Lady is my favourite of
Lotte’s books and my new favourite Harlequin Historical novel. I read this book
in two sittings (finishing it at 4 am on a work night!)
I fell in love with these two characters, they
really spoke to me. Having experienced the loss of a loved one last year and
still trying to navigate my way through the grief, I could relate to Ruth. And
having gone through periods of self-isolation and then not knowing how to
interact with the world, I understood Artemis.
Ruth Connell suddenly has a lot of responsibility and a new role in life. The death of her father means she is responsible for saving his failing theatre and looking after a group of actors. She’s experiencing grief, imposter syndrome and a lack of self-confidence. With debts and paperwork piling up, she’s barely keeping her head above water. Ruth approaches the reclusive and renowned playwright, Artemis Goode, to ask her to write a hit play that will hopefully save the theatre from ruin. Begrudgingly, Artemis agrees, and the two women get to work. There is an instant attraction between them.
Artemis retired from playwriting and acting three years ago after losing all confidence in her creative abilities, thanks to a relationship with an emotionally abusive and controlling man. Previously renowned for her plays and never short of inspiration, Artemis can now barely put pen to paper. Living alone and away from society, she has forgotten how to socialise and trust people and can come across to others as quite standoffish and cold.
As the two women get to know one another, they develop
mutual respect and provide support in their times of need. They
confide in each other as they struggle with loss and grief. Their relationship
blooms from attraction into passionate love. It is touching to read how they
help each other grow as individuals and gradually gain confidence in themselves
again.
Although this is a love story, there are also themes of friendship and chosen family in this book; I liked how Artemis and Ruth became friends before becoming lovers. In one particularly touching scene, Ruth is overwhelmed with grief, and Artemis helps her sort through her father’s belongings. I also loved the camaraderie between Ruth’s theatre company; one of my favourite examples is when Ruth is upset, and the others create space and hold her in silent support until she falls asleep. It was also lovely how the actors gradually became Artemis’ family.
I liked how the characters were allowed to just be. There was zero negativity from others directed at the women who were openly in a relationship; Artemis and Ruth didn’t once question that they had fallen in love with someone of the same sex, nor did they label their sexuality. Their relationship was normalised…as it should be. I didn’t expect that from a historical romance set in 1832, but I am so glad the author decided to write the book this way.
A gorgeous historical romance, which I highly recommend.
(P.S. If you like your romance novels spicy, then look no further! There are a few very spicy scenes in this book. However, they don’t detract from the storyline, instead highlighting the chemistry between the two women.)
Click here to buy your own copy!
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