In This Fair Chase

by Lauren Carter Reilly

Vienna Hammond is comfortable being in the background. Though intelligent, talented and 5’11, no one has ever seen her as a “leading lady”. A lifetime of being too much for most people has left her unsure of where she fits in New York City. That is, until an old friend casts her as Helena in a production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Suddenly Vienna is surrounded by a star-studded cast who have their share of problems. Being in the background is no longer an option when two of her costars are drawn to her, a Hollywood heartthrob who hopes to revive his career after a disastrous Coachella performance, a New York icon who is not only Vienna’s favorite actor, he’s also returning to the stage to play Oberon.

Nepo babies, feuding exes, faded movie stars, and hopeful newcomers are ready to play their parts in this messy, main stage production. Everyone is chasing something, even if it’s beyond what they dare to dream of.

191 pages, Unknown Binding

First published July 2, 2025

About the author

Lauren Carter Reilly grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by eccentric individuals and well traveled family members, she developed a love of storytelling. Lauren attended Mercersburg Academy where she was lucky enough to travel abroad, growing her love of all things haunted and historical. She went on to receive her BFA in theatre but feels she learned more from drag and burlesque performers then she did during her time at college in Philadelphia. Lauren still acts and models on occasion. You can find her in the background of several series and the foreground of a few, one-actors series online. She currently resides in Salem, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Gianna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fast paced and a fantastic short read! This book is definitely for a theatre kid/struggling actor.

I don’t relate to the main character in the aspect of being an actor but I can relate being in a room where everyone things they are better then you. I relate being looked at as just some girl.

I laughed, I cried, all and all a good read!