It’s sometimes fun to read a romance trilogy, but not always necessary. Scandal Takes the Stage is the second in Eva Leigh’s trilogy, The Wicked Quills of London. I just happened to pick it up. I might go back and read the first in the historical romance series, but I doubt if I’ll read the third. The overall arc is interesting featuring women writers in Regency England. But, this one was definitely in my area of interest. It features a female playwright in 1816 London.
Cameron Chalton, Viscount of Marwood, admits he’s a rogue, and the heir to the Marquess of Allam. But, when he’s at the theater, he’s totally engrossed in the show. He has a box at the Imperial Theater, and he’s there almost every night, even watching the same show over and over. His favorite playwright, Mrs. Maggie Delamere, is the regular playwright for the company there.
But, Maggie has problems. She’s expected to write a sequel to her hit show, The Shattered Heart. But, she has writer’s block, and it’s been weeks since she wrote anything. Now, the board for the theater demands she produce the sequel in two weeks, or they’ll have to find a new playwright. Everyone expects the sequel to have a happy ending, and Maggie just doesn’t see happy endings in life or love.
Marwood is always hanging around the theater. It’s Maggie’s best friend, a scandal sheet publisher, who suggests he might be the answer. Maggie might have to beg him to become a patron for the theater. But, she can’t bear to tell him she has writer’s block. He knows too much about the theater to miss that fact, though. When he offers his country estate as a writing retreat, Maggie is afraid he’s going to want something in return.
Theater, a playwright, an honorable man who loves plays. Historical romances are filled with rakes who sleep their way across London. In every Regency romance, they’re reformed. It doesn’t really matter to me. I read Regency romances for good stories , dashing heroes, strong women, and happily-ever-after endings. The theater world as a background is just one more plus for Scandal Takes the Stage.
Eva Leigh’s website is http://evaleighauthor.com/
Scandal Takes the Stage by Eva Leigh. Avon Books, 2015. ISBN 9780062358646 (paperback), 370p.
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