A Liaison with Her Leading Lady

by Lotte R. James

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…

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Audiobook

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Love the cover. Love the fact that M&B are doing sapphic historicals. Love the setting in British regional theatreland, it's nice to get out of London. Liked the set up a lot--fresh-faced Ruth, dumped into becoming manager of her father's failing theatre, gets grumpy reclusive playwright Artemis to write them a hit play.

Sadly this didn't come together in a satisfactory way, despite all the potential. There's a lot of internal narrative which kind of feels like filler in the middle section, and the romance is uneventful after a strong beginning. (It also doesn't engage at all with any issues of a sapphic romance in the 1830s--not in a Bridgerton TV way, because nobody else in this theatre set book seems to be queer, just not mentioning it.)

However, the main issue is the editing, which is dreadful. One woman is repeatedly addressed as Ms in 1832, people do things "carefully but perfunctorily" or have no appetite while being ravenous, several sentences just don't make sense, and mostly, something absolutely hatstand is going on with dashes, commas and especially ellipses. The following extracts are transcribed exactly as they appear in the book (Kobo ebook).

I don't know how--and I do know it will be...the worst thing I've ever written, that will likely ruin us both, but I will write her a play.

And one of the most exceptional things was that... Unlike other encounters she'd had--Thomas being the exception, not that she was comparing--it didn't feel as though... There was any pressure of time, for her to reach her peak. The sounds Artemis was making... The way she left no spot--save for those Ruth didn't react well to--untouched...

What the Emily Dickinson fuck.

I don't know what the hell is going on in the editorial department but this is not a state in which you let a book go out. This had a massive amount of potential and I am really unimpressed for the author. (It's also the second shockingly edited f/f book from M&B I've read in a few days. I am *side eyeing*.)

[lauraღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something which was the very essence of Ruth, but impossible to name, for it was... a sensation no other could feel or provoke. A mystery wrapped up in sensation the best Artemis could find to quantify as perfection. The Word, the origin of all things, which couldn’t be quantified or defined by mortal man’s words.

3.5 stars. Nothing quite as tragic as a good book that COULD have been a great book. And obviously, I mean, that's a pretty subjective statement. Some of the things that I didn't like about this will really work for others. And I don't want to diminish the enjoyment that I did get out of this, because I really did like the characters and I loved certain parts of the writing, especially the scene setting and atmosphere. And in a way, that makes me even sadder, because I just know if certain things were different, this might have been a favourite of mine.

It's a historical f/f romance between a retired playwright/actress and a theatre owner/troupe leader whose company is in dire financial straits. To repay an old debt, Artemis reluctantly agrees to write a new play for them, which will hopefully bring Ruth's theatre some much needed attention and money. And along the way, of course, they fall in love. This author has a very particular writing style, but I found it really easy to be swept away by. A little wordy, kind of whimsical, the teensiest bit OTT, but all those attributes fit in perfectly with the historical and theatrical settings that we were in. Something about the writing just felt flowery and romantic in a very classic way, and it never felt overdone. Or well, it seldom felt overdone, and in the times that it did, it was easy to forgive it. (For example, there were a LOT of internal thoughts and internal asides and tiny monologues from both characters, which was kinda jarring and took me a while to get used to. But eventually I did.) I do have a soft spot for when romantic feelings and yearnings are expressed in really verbose and intricate ways. The romance itself was a little insta love, but this was one of those cases where I didn't mind it that much. There was enough build up and banter for me, and I loved the ways that grumpy Artemis and sunshiney Ruth played off each other. They have a bit of a history, and there's a little bit of hero worship on Ruth part, and I liked how that played into their relationship. And idk, some of their conversations about relationships and the nature of love and their affection for the theatre ended up being really touching. And the romance itself was just as swoony as I could have wanted.

So why wasn't this a favourite? Well, this is a historical romance between two women, but honestly, if I'm being nitpicky, I wouldn't call this a queer historical romance. The concept of queerness just... never comes up. This takes place in the real world, in 1832, but neither heroine ever says anything or thinks anything about the nature of same sex attraction, and the fact that it isn't commonplace or readily accepted in the world. Nothing about how they realised they were attracted to both men and women, nothing about that discovery or sense of difference. And wow... that really didn't work for me. Just personally, one of the reasons I love queer historical romance so much is because I like seeing stories of us in historical times, getting to live and love despite the societal forces against us. Those forces simply didn't exist in this world. I hope I'm explaining myself well and being fair to the book. I know and totally understand that a lot of queer people prefer to read books where homophobia doesn't play a big part. I totally get that. And I have no doubt that the author wrote it this way deliberately. But in this book, it wasn't so much that homophobia didn't exist. The concept of queerness in general didn't seem to exist, and there was absolutely no sense that their romance, being two women, was any different than any other. 

Again, it's 1832!! I can totally believe that because of the arty, theatrical circles they move in, queerness is a little more prevalent and accepted, and it makes sense that they didn't try to hide it from the rest of the company and their friends. But there was zero feeling of them being queer women living in a time and place where they can't be together openly. And again! Wow! That really didn't work for me! I hope I'm not making it seem like I want a lot of homophobia in my historical romance, because that's not what I'm saying. I just know that despite how much I liked the writing, this didn't give me the same sense of joy as I usually get from a sapphic historical. If this book took place in the 2000s onwards, or maybe even earlier than that, it would be great. But it's 1832. And as it is right now, you could change some pronouns and words, make either one of these characters a man, and LITERALLY nothing would change about the story or plot. And I feel like that's something I should not be able to say about a queer historical romance. 

Another reason that lack of discussion of queerness niggled at me so much is because there IS implicit discussion of other types of societal restraints. Plays need to be sent for approval before they're allowed to be performed, presumably for morality reasons. Several characters make mention of the fact that theatre as an art isn't easy, and actors have sometimes been persecuted. (I'm thinking of Thomas' speech in the pub.) And so to have THOSE discussions sprinkled throughout the book, and yet NEVER have an inkling that queerness is criminalised, that queerness is anything taboo, either in theatre or out of it... again. Wow! Really didn't work for me. 

The more it went on, the more it bothered me, and I could feel it sapping away my enjoyment. I wouldn't have thought that it would affect me this much, but I guess it did? I've read other historical books where homophobia isn't really a thing, and I have to reiterate again: I don't think that that's a bad writing decision. But in those books (I'm thinking of Alexis Hall, and Something Fabulous in particular) it was more that I got the sense that homophobia was simply tangential to the characters and the story they were in. Those characters were still queer people, and I still got queer joy out of it. This book? It was a good romance, but completely devoid of that queer joy, which is what I was specifically craving when I picked up a historical sapphic romance.

Lmao that was a looooot of words to complain about something that other people will probably enjoy. With total sincerity: if you prefer historical settings where homophobia doesn't play a part, give this a try! Again, I have to emphasise that this was a feature, not a bug. The author clearly wanted to and meant to write it this way. I'm not sure if she was creating an alternate reality in which homophobia doesn't exist, or just chose to have our characters never think about queerness. Either was, it just really wasn't to my liking/preference, but I'm sure mileage will vary amongst other readers.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Beatrix Ayliff and I really really liked it. This was my first book from her, and I think she did such a great job with the emotion and the theatricality of it all. As much as I liked the writing, I don't know that I'd read from this author again? But I'm glad I gave this a try.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

You’re telling me a f/f romance set in 1832 and neither one mentions anything to each other OR themselves about the fact they’re into women. I don’t know if it was because they’re in theater and it was maybe more acceptable there? I just found it so odd that nothing about it ever comes up. And they’re out to their theater company as well and no one there ever says anything either.

Other than that this was okay. The romance was too insta for me but I know that’s a me thing.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desperate to save her beloved father's theatre, actress Ruth seeks out famed dramatist Artemis in an attempt to coax her out of her self-imposed exile from the English stage.

This is a delightful and unusual historical romance, following as it does two women who live on the fringes of respectable society in Regency England. The author has worked in theatre herself, and her experience and understanding of stagecraft shines through during the whole story, aided by plenty of research into the changing theatre scene at the time.

Ruth and Artemis are compelling leads, with well-developed backstories and motivations. Both heroines are passionate about theatre, and I enjoyed seeing how they encourage and enable each other to overcome the mental barriers that have prevented them from embracing their full potential. Artemis's struggles with writer block were well-written, and her attempts to work on the melodrama were laugh out loud funny. I also loved the camaraderie between the theatre company.

However, I did feel like the romance was a little insta-love - the characters are drawn to each other immediately, though they do take a little time to get together. While I enjoyed their relationship, I wish the author had portrayed more of what it was that drew them together and made them certain that this was a true and lasting love, especially as the timeline is quite short. And I would have liked to read the plot of the farce as well as the melodrama!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 to 4.5 stars, I think? For the most part, I LOVED this book. It was a pleasure to be transported to England’s theatre scene in 1832. Both Ruth’s and Artemis’s stories touched my heart in intimate ways: Ruth learning to believe in herself for the first time, and Artemis learning to believe in herself once again. Throughout this book, Ruth and Artemis help each other live as the best versions of themselves, and I think they make perfect, swoon-worthy couple.

Lotte R. James writes in a way that romanticizes all the little things and leaves no doubt that our two leads are utterly besotted with each other! Yeah, that really worked for me: I ate that stuff UP! 😍 Unfortunately, I do think this book could have used a lot more editing. IMO, there were far too many ellipses, commas, and italicized words.

Also, even though this is very much a sapphic romance (both characters are bi/pan, I think?), queerness is never discussed. On one hand, I thought this was weird, because it wasn’t like queerness was a nonissue in the 1830s (I mean heck, it’s not even a nonissue in society now!). But on the other hand, it was nice to read a sort of queernormative historical romance with absolutely zero homophobia. I would definitely recommend checking out Laura's review for a different, more in-depth perspective on this topic.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book, and I felt alllll of the things. I will definitely be reading more books from James in the future!

[Lady Olenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

A nice deep dive into the theatre scene of the 1800’s. I admit I haven’t read a historical fiction that covered such setting.

I appreciate the nuance of the whole picture. The flow was good, there was redemption in the end and a cozy found family vibe.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Lotte R. James writes it, I will read it. That's just how things go. A Liaison with Her Leading Lady was so charming and quite the departure from the other novels of hers I have read. I was both surprised and delighted.

Ruth Connell's impresario father has just died... and left a pile of debts behind that threaten the future of his theatre and troupe of actors. Ruth is left to figure out how to pay off the debts and keep her father's legacy alive, all while navigating her own grief. She believes the company needs to put on a new play, a guaranteed hit, by someone with a big enough name to draw the theatre crowd to Kent. She turns to Artemis Goode, a fantastic playwright who owes Ruth's father a debt for giving Artemis her first job. But Artemis has retired from writing and won't consider the gig. After her lover broke her heart, ran off with her friend, and then drove her out of London, Artemis has had terrible writer's block. She can't hear the voices in her head that once gave her inspiration. But even after saying no to Ruth, Artemis can't shake the feeling of guilt. Ruth's father did give her a chance when no one else would, and she owes him a debt of honor. But no one said the play she writes for Ruth had to be any good. So Artemis will just get something—anything—down on paper to discharge her debt and go back into retirement. That is the plan, until Artemis realizes that Ruth is so much more than meets the eye.

This book was a far brighter story than the other Lotte R. James novels I have read. It has an inherent joy that her gothic romances don't, because it's tied to the theatre. Lotte has a background in the theatre, and the love she has for the art form shines on pretty much every page of this novel. Even when Ruth and Artemis are at their lowest, questioning their choice of careers, there is still a deep love for the craft and the people who make it possible.

One reason why I love the Harlequin Historical line so much is that there are always stakes for the characters. There is a trend in trad-published sapphic romances toward the cozy, and that just doesn't work for me as a reader. I want lots of conflict, and we have that here. First, we have Ruth's financial dilemma. It runs as an undercurrent to all other action in the book—if she doesn't succeed, if this play doesn't bring in money, she will lose her father's legacy. And then we have the conflict of Artemis's writer's block, and layered on top of that, the fear Artemis has of trying at love again. The conflict keeps building to the point where the only thing that can happen is the third-act breakup. It feels inevitable in a way because these characters are under too much pressure to try to make it work.

If you're a theatre kid turned historical romance reader, this is a must-read for you. I really enjoyed all the details of the theatre company and the way the actors spoke about their vocation. Lotte also writes in a way that is very theatrical. She adds the pauses she wants the characters to take in their speech directly in the text through punctuation, so if you read the book with that in mind, it will be very theatrical in your head. 4 stars.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

2.75 stars

For all that Shakespeare is mentioned over and over, this story takes place in Regency England in a modest town outside of London. Here, women aren’t unknown on the stage, and while it may be unusual to have Ruth own, run, and manage her own theater, it’s not going to raise any eyebrows. Nor does Ruth’s preference for women over men, or Artemis’ bisexuality, cause anyone to think less of them. Even Artemis is known as a famous female playwright with no need of a male partner to take credit for her work.

In the middle of this, there’s the romance. Ruth has a case of hero worship for Artemis, who — seemingly lonely and flattered — takes Ruth up on what might have been an offer (or might just have been friendship) and sleeps with her, only to be horribly sad about it and walk away when it’s done. This leads to Ruth wondering what she did wrong. Fortunately, they make up and fall in love.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️, rounded up

This lovely sapphic romance was very nearly a love triangle between Artemis, Ruth, and the stage. I think this story would be particularly meaningful for anyone with a background in or love of theatre. It was particularly refreshing to me that no one ever suggested the two leads could not be together because of their gender, despite the historical setting. Being set in the theatrical world rather than the status obsessed ton and its marriage mart made for a welcome change of pace from more conventional historical romances.

[Nicole Moon]

what a lovely sapphic historical romance 🩷 it's sweet, steamy, and full of yearning.

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 3 out of 5]

When there is more to save than just a theatre…

Now that she has lost her beloved father, it’s up to Ruth Connell to save the theatre her father owned. But saving the theatre is easier said than done, and Ruth is willing to do anything to save her troupe. Even if that means to cash in a debt owned by her father. Because it’s thanks to her father that Artemis Goode has made a name in the world of theatre as a playwright. But Artemis isn’t eager to go back on the scene, as stories don’t come to her anymore as they used to. But a debt is a debt, thus she agrees to help out Ruth and her crew, and she will write a play. Whether it’s a good one or not, Artemis couldn’t care less…
However, when sparks start to ignite between Ruth and Artemis, where will this lead them? Because Artemis will never open her heart again to anyone, and Ruth is adamant to save the only thing her father left her…

Having read many, many books, there is still some kind of taboo around love stories with same sex characters. Or perhaps ‘taboo’ isn’t the right word, but they for sure don’t get the same exposure as the usual love stories get. While in my opinion, everyone is free to love whoever they want, and it’s love that matters, not the gender of the persons.
And thus I found this book very refreshing, as the main characters are Ruth and Artemis, two women. To make it even more refreshing, it’s also set in an era where this kind of love was even less accepted than the present. So the author for sure has shaken things up with this book, for which I can only admire her! 😊

Counting myself lucky and blessed that I still have both my parents still around, I cannot even try to imagine the heartbreak Ruth is feeling after losing her beloved father. As it has been only the two of them, for sur Ruth must be feeling alone now, even she has her own unique family with the people of her father’s theatre. And who wouldn’t fight with their every might to protect their family? Even if that means to ask, or rather beg, for help to a woman you believe in a way stole your father…

While right from the start, Ruth had all my sympathy, Artemis was a harder nut to crack. I could understand why she is initially living as a reclusive, being burnt on several levels by the person she loved the most. But her attitude bothered me, as it was just rude, how she acted towards Ruth. But at least it isn’t personal, as Artemis is rather rude to everyone who “dares” to speak to her.
And then there is her writing…

I liked it how Lotte R. James put into words how Artemis came to write her own stories, as there were voices in her head eager to tell her their tales. But it saddened me to see how she lost those voices, as her heart got broken.

While I could understand her reluctance, or even inability to write a good story, it angered me to see how less Artemis is bothered by writing a good play for Ruth. Even if you don’t have the voices anymore, at least have some pride in what you are writing down…

It's often in books that we see that opposite attracts, and that is also the case for Ruth and Artemis. Ruth is a gentle character, kind, caring and understanding. She needs her family around her. While Artemis cannot be pleased more by being left alone, being rude or cold towards others.
Yet when these two characters are in the same room, and Ruth even stands up against Artemis, sparks fly around!
These female leads show us a passion in their story that, even as a straight woman, is something to be envious of. They connect in an unexcepted way, even a terrifying way, making them afraid of the depths of their feelings themselves. But that is part of love, it can be a scary thing…

But even if this is a love story between Ruth and Artemis, I also felt it’s also about family, friendship, and working together for the same purpose. Because even if Artemis at start isn’t that adamant, she understands how important the theatre is, not only for Ruth but for everyone involved in it.
Love, in all the possible aspects, can achieve the impossible? It can make you able to write stories again, it can let you save what’s close to your heart. And even in the most ‘wrong’ setting and era, love will conquer them all!

I truly enjoyed reading this story, showing love perhaps differently, but not being wrong. It was sweet to see how meeting the right person, can make even the most closed of person melt and allow love back in their hearts!

[lifelonghistorylover · Rating 5 out of 5]

* A huge Thank You to Lotte R. James, for sending me a copy of her new book in exchange for an honest review.

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.)

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.*

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story in five acts.

I just about expired when I heard that Lotte R. James’ next release was to be a sapphic historical romance set in her beloved world of theatre.

NGL *shakes head*, this one took me a while to read. *holds hand up* Let me explain… it ripped my guts out a little as all the emotions and feelings that Ruth was going through with the loss of her father, I was still experiencing due to the recent loss of my mum a few months earlier. Grief, eh?

Anyhoo, I picked the book right back up when the time was right and devoured Artemis and Ruth’s story. The ladies did not leave me wanting, *snorts* that was for sure, but oh how they made me fight for their HEA!

Who else loves a grumpy/sunshine read? *looks around* Welp, let me tell you, Artemis is the epitome of grumpy… admittedly for very good reasons. Life has done her dirty, but theatre owner, Ruth, needs the renowned playwright’s help as it’s not just her livelihood on the line it’s her family’s… the colourful and eclectic members of her theatrical troupe.

Talking of tropes; have you ever read a book which was both insta-love/lust AND slow burn at the same time?! BOOM! Mind blown… Ruth and Artemis’ chemistry was obvious from the get-go and there really was only one way it was going to end *winks*.

Yet, despite giving in to their physical desires, their hearts are a whole separate entity (hello, slow burn!)… most especially Artemis’. *scratches head* which is locked up tighter than a *insert phrase of choice*.

Sunny Ruth battles her own demons with confidence, trust and just wanting to be someone’s number one. It’s not too much to ask in life, is it?!

ALWHLL is not only a love story in five acts but in the five acts of showing love; words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service and receiving gifts.

Don’t believe me, read it, and see for yourself.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth is trying to save her late father’s theatre. To do this she approaches Artemis, a reclusive playwright that once worked with her father. Can Ruth and Artemis save the theatre?

I have read quite a few books by this author and I absolutely adore their writing style so I couldn't wait to read this book. I don't think I have ever read a historical romance where the two main characters were from the from the LGBTQI+ community so this was my first and one I would describe as memorable.

The storyline was everything I hoped for from the title and the synopsis. It was filled with emotion, love and romance all set against the backdrop of the theatre. The more I read the more I wished I was at the theatre with the characters that I met during my reading journey. Ruth and Artemis are two characters who have never previously met but they encounter each other following the death of Ruth's father. Ruth’s father owned a theatre and this is where Ruth grew up. When Ruth finds out the theatre, which was her father's dream and that is her home is under threat she enlists the help of Artemis who was once an actress and also a renowned playwright. Ruth hopes that a new play by Artemis will draw in the crowds, bring in much needed money and save her home. I have to say the first meeting between Artemis and Ruth was certainly memorable especially because it involves Artemis shutting the door in Ruth’s face.

What I loved about this story is that it included the grumpy sunshine trope and the two main characters in this book reflected that so well. Artemis is what I would describe as grumpy and Ruth is the sunshine. I absolutely loved both characters, their growing romance and their journey from getting to know each other to realising that there was more to their connection. What was interesting about the two characters is that they're independent and accomplished women. Artemis was a playwright until she dropped off the scene and Ruth helped her father manage the theatre and productions. I was intrigued to see how their working relationship would work. Ruth was very brave when she gave her honest feedback on the first draft of Artemis’ play and what I loved about that scene is that despite Ruth knowing who Artemis was she didn't hold back. One of the things that both characters definitely have in common is that they lack confidence and their confidence has been dented. In Artemis’ case this goes back to her past and the impact that that had on her and her writing. For Ruth she's never thought that she could be anything other than her father’s assistant yet she dreamed of being an actress, acting in the theatre but never pushed herself forward. Another aspect that Artemis and Ruth have in common is that they are both very lonely. Artemis has locked herself away from everyone, has no family, friends or a love interest for a long time. Ruth is grieving for her father who was her family. When the two start to spend time together that loneliness starts to disappear. But Artemis does struggle because as soon as she starts getting close to Ruth she panics and then pushes her away because she doesn't know how she feels but that in turn confuses Ruth because she starts to feel rejected.

It's clear the Artemis has lost her love of writing but she still has all these stories in her head waiting to get out and the person that inspires that and reignites her passion for writing is Ruth. One of my favourite little touches at the end of this book was the announcement of the play written by Artemis, which included a synopsis and a list of the cast. It’s definitely a play that I would want to watch.

[Jo Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Liaison with Her Leading Lady by Lotte R. James was the first sapphic regency romance I have read, and I loved the way in which it was written with sensitivity and an effortless style, as a relationship which is accepted by everyone around Ruth and Artemis.

The connection between Ruth and Artemis was instant, but was firmly from a position of friendship initially, in spite of their obvious chemistry. I loved the way in which Artemis helped Ruth clear out her late father’s belongings from her room, quietly and without fuss. It was exactly what Ruth needed as she tried to turn his space into her space.

In addition to the building romance, this story dealt with the bereavement of a parent, significant debts unearthed following the bereavement, writer’s block, mental health issues, infidelity, misogyny and how a family can take many forms.

I loved the strength of character that Ruth has, in taking over the mantle of her late father, as theatre owner and manager at a relatively young age. When she seeks out retired but famous playwright Artemis Goode, it is with the sole idea of rescuing the theatre and protecting her family, the theatre troupe.

The camaraderie within the theatre troupe was fantastic, and when Ruth needed them the most I loved the way in which they rallied around her, providing her with the exact support that she needed the most.

There were some very steamy moments between Ruth and Artemis as their friendship turned to love, but as with most Regency romances, there were some significant ups and downs in their relationship. I loved the theatrical side of the story, with the performances and the atmosphere within the theatre, and I really felt this added to the unusual nature of this beautiful romance, creating a perfect location for the dramatic storyline. By the end of the story, I really felt that Ruth, Artemis and the theatre troupe had become friends, characters whose lives I was invested in, and thought about well after I had finished the book.

[Amanda Nan Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low 3, which I hate because this book had a lot of potential. The audio edition isn't on GR, weird. I listened to 1.65 and 2x speed and had no issues following it, which isn't the norm for me. I can't tell if it's the narration, narrator, etc. that made it easy to listen to that fast. I have to say -- the narrator had a cold or something for the ENTIRETY of this recording and you can really tell, especially around 75%. I know people get sick and it's difficult to reschedule if you're doing recordings with a producer or in a studio somewhere, but it's not worth sacrificing the quality of the audiobook and have the narrator push through it. A lot of the narration sounds like the characters are emotional and on the verge of crying in places where it's not applicable. Sigh.

I really enjoyed the amount of research that went into this book. It's in a different world than the historicals I've read before -- 1830s Turnbridge Wells, about a topic I've never read before, regional theater. Lots of fascinating details tucked into the prose about owning and running a theater, how shows were written and produced, etc. The characters never had a conversation, or acknowledged even in their inner thoughts or asides, the realities of being in a same sex relationship in the 1830s. They were also seemingly open with everyone who worked at the theater from the jump. This doesn't seem realistic to me, at all.

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, instalove, found family, workplace

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

chronically online take: wish moulin rouge

Review breakdown:

Writing: i was confused a lot and felt like i kept missing something. could have just been my disinterest in the story, though.

Characters: girly is an overthinkerrrrr. I didn't love them, didn't hate them. neutral towards both. not invested in their relationship, but happy for them to get their HEA.

Plot: theater owner and recluse retired writer/actor try to save a struggling theater with one final show. I wanted more of the show and more time to see them all bonding while putting the story together.

What would make this an extra star read for me: more time with the love birds getting to know each other

Vibes: just there

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Artemis discovered that you could, in fact, find a home in other people. That in truth, it was the only place to find it.”
At first the book is a bit slow moving however I’m glad I stuck with it because this was a really great read and reminded me of Fingersmith while still being its own story. It was odd but refreshing that the characters weren’t really afraid to get caught like with most stories set in this time frame that is a very big deal. These two couldn’t be more different though that was exactly what each needed.

[mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the found family in this book and the way it focused on theater and a writer finding her passion again. The romance was really sweet—I liked how it progressed throughout most of the book—but it kind of lost me at the end. The third act break-up felt so out of place for me in the context of the main characters' development, which kind of ruined the fun for me. If you like sapphic historical romances and/or romances about theater, I'd tentatively recommend this, but keep in mind that if you, like me, easily get annoyed by third act break-ups, you may end up struggling with the final portion.

[Cordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice bit of escapism. I enjoy books which take place in an historical setting. This delivers in spades. Spending time with the characters had me wishing that everyone could find such a group of friends as Ruth had. Everyone just accepted everyone as they were, no questions asked while providing a kick in the pants when needed. While ì felt the ending to be satisfactory, I wouldn't mind reading more involving these characters. Thank you for this.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting romance between two women in a time when that wasn’t accepted, but in their world of the theater they were among people who didn’t go by the usual rules of society. I liked the romance part of this book, once things picked up but I did have a time getting through the beginning. There were also a lot of dramatic……..pauses which I thought were overdone. The story itself was enjoyable.
I received this book as a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lucie Hemmings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this LGBTQ historical romance book. I found the book was wonderful, enjoyed and excellent to read. you love reading historical romance books and you will like to reading this book for yourself.

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty meh read. I’ll be honest it’d probably be more like a 2.5 or 2 star if I didn’t love the cover so much. I can’t quite put my finger on why this didn’t work, but I think it’s that the characters just didn’t resonate for me.

[Ella Romain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3½ Stars.

A great Sapphic historical romance with great setting and characters that will leave you wanting for more.

[Julie Bergley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was delightful. I love these characters and the way they fall in love. I cant wait to check out more by this author.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a surprise to discover this author’s writing! I’m not a fan of historical romance typically, but this was so well done, I tore through the story. It was light and poignant and emotional, with beautiful turns of phrase throughout.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiter, waiter, more books like this please and thx😋😋👆

[Mariah Wamby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world needs more soft and sweet sapphic historical romances and this was a great one! I loved the dual pov and the way the two characters worked to support each other. I wanted a simple and quick queer historical romance and that’s what I got.