Celia St. Lys is the toast of Drury Lane, but she knows her stardom won't last forever. She'll get older, and a younger woman will take her place. That knowledge drives Celia to prepare for her future and to shun any man who might try to control her.

Lord Simon Ascot loved Celia once, but she rejected him for another man. Now on a mission for the Prince Regent, he's forced to deal with her. He doesn't count on learning that his past and his future are tangled with hers.

WHEN YOU'RE DESIRED has a terrific plot. Author Tamara Lejeune has woven an intricate story of abandonment, love, and betrayal. Unfortunately, we don't get into the main characters' heads enough. For example, near the beginning of the book, Celia encounters Simon's brother, the Duke of Berkshire, and their mother. Without giving too much away, we never get any sense that she's concerned about meeting them, that they might recognize who she is, that she might be stirring up trouble for herself. Simon seems to despise her for most of the book, at least outwardly. The first time he confronts her, we think his only knowledge of her is what he thinks she did to some of the soldiers in his command; later we find out they have a past together. To me, it makes the story seem disjointed and detracts from an otherwise nicely plotted story.

I haven't read much fiction that was written in the early 19th century, when this book is set. I have the impression that perhaps Ms. Lejeune is writing in that style. The dialogue seems a bit stilted but is probably appropriate to the period. Perhaps the choice to give us little insight into what the characters are thinking comes from the style of novels written during the Regency period.

WHEN YOU'RE DESIRED called to me because of its setting in the theatre, and I enjoyed the plot and the glimpses into stage life in the 1800s, but I found it lacking in characterization. I'm sure it will appeal to some readers for the very reasons I found it disappointing. I hope those readers find it.