Arden's Act

“If you were a fan of Bridgerton, you will also enjoy Arden’s Act. It has all the steamy chemistry you need, with a side of drama and enough suspense to keep you on your toes.” –Caitlin Barshaw, bookwormhairstylist.com.

1661–The King has returned to the throne, bringing plays and entertainments back with him. Arden West arrives in London, determined to become one of the first actresses of the English stage, having fled her abusive Puritan stepfather to do so. When she meets jaded and sensual aristocrat Robert Courtenay, the attraction is instant. To deter her stepfather from dragging her home, Arden agrees to enter a scandalous arrangement with Courtenay. Though passionate love blooms in their bed, Courtenay is betrothed to another, and Arden has destroyed her modest social standing in becoming an actress–everyone knows actresses are just whores in pretty costumes. Adding to the odds against Arden and Robert’s happiness are royal intrigue, assassination plots, ghosts, betrayals, kidnappings, and the King’s own interest in the actress.

Heat Level: Spicy
Tropes: alpha heroine, rake, forced arrangement, class difference, secret baby