Jess Harper's life is turned upside down - but is she simply a substitute for her sister in Kyle Drummond's eyes?
Jess Harper’s predictable life is turned upside down when she discovers that Lora, her twin sister, has disappeared. It’s just a week before rehearsals are due to start for a new West End musical in which Lora has the lead role. Jess decides to pose as her sister in order to save Lora's career. This brings her into close contact with arrogant theatre director Kyle Drummond. Attraction sparks between them but there’s also evidence that he had been dating Lora. So is Jess simply a substitute – in real life as well as in the show? And what will happen when Lora eventually returns?
Excerpt
He followed her across the landing and her nerves fluttered like a bird caught in a net. Her hand shook as she started to put the key in the lock, then Kyle’s hand on her arm stopped her. “I’ll pick you up at nine thirty tomorrow.”
She looked at him, genuinely taken aback. “But – but aren’t you coming in?”
The instant she said it, she could have kicked herself. Amusement flashed across his face. “What man could resist such an invitation?” he said with a quick grin. “But no, tonight I really must resist. You need a good night’s sleep and I –” He stopped and gave a half-laugh. “Well, let’s just say that I have a few things to sort out before tomorrow. I’ll see you at nine thirty.”
Jess knew the feeling sweeping through her should be one of relief, knew she should say a casual goodnight to him and open the apartment door. But the look in his eyes sent waves of heat rising inside her. She couldn’t move, even when he put his hands on her arms and started to lower his head. A warning bell shrilled in her head but by then Kyle’s mouth was against hers and it was too late.
His mouth was soft at first but the feel of it, so warm and tantalising, sent her head into a spin. A small gasp escaped from her lips and parted them slightly. Kyle’s arms went round her, and he pulled her firmly against him. His lips hardened and his tongue slid into her mouth.
She’d been kissed passionately before but nothing had prepared her for Kyle’s kiss. His mouth took possession of her in a seductive demand for surrender. As his tongue gently fondled hers, sensations that she had never known before scorched through her, ignited every nerve and melted every bone. She gripped his shoulders, her head went back and involuntarily she arched towards him, thrilling exquisitely to the feel of his hard body against hers. The surrender he demanded was complete as she responded with the same fervour, wanting more, still more.
When he released her, her breathing was ragged and she looked up at him, dazed and disorientated.
For a couple of seconds, Kyle looked just as stunned. Then he took a deep breath and gave her a wry grin. “You certainly know how to make a man regret his decision!” He cupped her chin with his hand and even that burned through her and then gave her a tender smile. “I’d better go, otherwise I never will. Goodnight, beautiful lady. Sleep well. And don’t worry about tomorrow. You’ll do just fine.”
His lips brushed her mouth again in a brief parting kiss and then he turned to the lift. The doors were still open and Jess watched as he went in and pressed the ground floor button. Still totally numb, she raised her hand slightly. Kyle smiled and tilted his head in farewell.
Professional Reviews
Excellent Read
I will be quite honest and say that I was taken in by the first chapter and it was hard to put my Kindle down until I'd finished reading the entire novel!! Paula has brilliantly written a page turner that dives the reader head first into romance, intrigue and mystery, set in England's Theatrical West End.
The musical theatre scene provides a perfect backdrop for this thrilling page turner. Paula does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to the ins and outs of the theatre business while keeping the story moving along at a quick pace and keeping the reader satisfied with a great romance story. This novel pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you've read it through to the end--leaving the reader to want more at each page turn. If you are looking for a thrilling romance, look no further than His Leading Lady by Paula Martin, I highly recommend it.
Wonderful Romance
His Leading Lady is such a wonderful romance. This story is creatively written with amazing characters. I enjoyed the musical life (which I knew nothing about) and the story of Kate. From the beginning, I was entertained and that excitement continued throughout the rest of the book. You never knew what was going to happen next. I loved never knowing when Lora was going to reappear, and how Jess knew how to step into her sisters shoes. Jess is by far my favorite character...strong willed, smart, and most of all REAL! You can really connect to her character. And OH MY do I wish Kyle Drummond were real!!! His character was so incredibly perfect and smoldering. Maybe in my next life *sigh* Makes me want to go to Scotland even more. I enjoyed stepping into this story and being taken to a whole new world. I'm sure you will too!
Romance in the UK West End Theatre
From the moment I started reading the first chapter, I was completely hooked and had to keep reading the rest of the book until the very satisfying ending.
The characters are very well drawn, with a perfectly matched hero and heroine. The background setting of a theatre and stage musical was the icing on the cake and seemed completely authentic, greatly adding to the enjoyment of the main story between Jess, one of twin sisters, and Kyle, the arrogant director. The added touch of mystery surrounding the disappearance of Lora, Jess' twin, and the ensuing impersonation by Jess gave the romance a lovely touch of suspense. There was even a beautiful scene in Scotland. The sub-story of the west end musical in production was so interesting that I wanted to see it performed! I highly recommend this book, not least for Paula Martin's excellent writing.
Synopsis
Zeke Milligan is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is desperately in love with Lynn, but a dark secret from his past continues to rear its ugly head. Worse yet, he persistently punishes the love of his life for events that took p
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