A review by redhairedashreads
A Liaison with Her Leading Lady by Lotte R. James

3.0

 
3 stars - I liked it

When Ruth Connell inherits her father’s beloved theater she unfortunately finds that it's in debt and she has only weeks to pay up otherwise she will lose it. To save it she finds herself turning to reclusive playwright Artemis Goode in the hopes that a new play will lead to success. But as they work together to save the theater, it also leads to growing feelings between them. 

This was an enjoyable historical romance that seemed to really showcase theater and how precarious it can be. Ruth and Artemis were interesting women who have both been dealt difficult blows and are recovering from them in different ways. Ruth is struggling to overcome her grief from the recent death of her father and deal with managing and saving the theater she inherited from him. Artemis was a renowned playwright and actor who was forced out of her career by her ex-boyfriend and manager who spread rumors about her. 

These two had a very instant-love/lust relationship with them being attracted to each other from the start and having a bit of a one night stand almost right away, but then are pushed apart by fear. While I enjoyed their story overall, I did have a few issues with some things. Artemis is a bit of an asshole in the beginning and says some very hurtful things to Ruth but never actually apologizes. This was very disappointing because I thought she needed to really apologize and grovel some. My other issue was that for the majority of this book their relationship felt more like they were just lusting for each other and not creating an actual relationship. I think if there had been more discussion between the two about their relationship and feelings, and a little less about the theater, then I would have enjoyed it a little more. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable queer historical romance with an interesting setting. I think if you are a theater nerd, then this would probably be the book for you. 

TW: death of a parent; grief; cheating ex discussed; 

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

 
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