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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This story follows Warren, a barkeep at a molly house, and Matty, a detective, as they bond through the unlikely meeting at an art class.
This historical, dual POV novel was a joy to read. Warren is effortlessly charming and him and Matty have lovely chemistry. I loved how the art class and drawings were important to the story. There isn't much in the way of plot, but I don't mean that in a bad way at all - each character was fully fleshed out and really came to life on the page through this character-driven story. The cast of side characters was delightful, and reading this story made me want to jump into the author's other books from this interconnected standalone series! I am curious to learn more about each couple that we got to see in this story.
"But Warren, I will be to you whatever this age demands of us. I'll be a back alley sneak or a pining celibate or anything in between. I don't care what it is, or whether it's easy. I'll have you in any capacity necessary."
Simply a very sweet historical romance that I definitely recommend picking up! You do not have to read the previous books in the series to fully enjoy this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This historical, dual POV novel was a joy to read. Warren is effortlessly charming and him and Matty have lovely chemistry. I loved how the art class and drawings were important to the story. There isn't much in the way of plot, but I don't mean that in a bad way at all - each character was fully fleshed out and really came to life on the page through this character-driven story. The cast of side characters was delightful, and reading this story made me want to jump into the author's other books from this interconnected standalone series! I am curious to learn more about each couple that we got to see in this story.
"But Warren, I will be to you whatever this age demands of us. I'll be a back alley sneak or a pining celibate or anything in between. I don't care what it is, or whether it's easy. I'll have you in any capacity necessary."
Simply a very sweet historical romance that I definitely recommend picking up! You do not have to read the previous books in the series to fully enjoy this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Two chapters in and it has endlessly mentioned the illegality of sodomy which tells me this is not going to be the fun, quirky read I thought it would be like book 3 was. I'm sure the book is probably good, but I don't think I'll have a good time with it.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Jess Everlee has done it again. The “it” in question is the warming of my cynical heart.
These characters were so endearing and I was grinning every page! As far as plot goes this particular addition to The Lucky Lovers of London is more focused on the lives of Matty and Warren, but fear not! Their lives are plenty complicated and messy enough to keep you entertained!
As usual, Everlee’s writing style impresses me. They have mastered the comforting mix between formal and witty while providing just a really great tone that reads wonderfully with the characters constructed.
This is one of those books where I don’t have much to say after completion other than “Read it! But you can’t like it more than I like it because it’s mine and I liked it first!” - which is the highest form of flattery I can provide. You see, I simply cannot form into words the hold a nobody ever stays character paired with a well everybody else was stupid character has on me and how it breaks my heart open every time I encounter it.
Special thanks to the Harlequin Publicity Team for sending me the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
These characters were so endearing and I was grinning every page! As far as plot goes this particular addition to The Lucky Lovers of London is more focused on the lives of Matty and Warren, but fear not! Their lives are plenty complicated and messy enough to keep you entertained!
As usual, Everlee’s writing style impresses me. They have mastered the comforting mix between formal and witty while providing just a really great tone that reads wonderfully with the characters constructed.
This is one of those books where I don’t have much to say after completion other than “Read it! But you can’t like it more than I like it because it’s mine and I liked it first!” - which is the highest form of flattery I can provide. You see, I simply cannot form into words the hold a nobody ever stays character paired with a well everybody else was stupid character has on me and how it breaks my heart open every time I encounter it.
Special thanks to the Harlequin Publicity Team for sending me the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another great addition to the Lucky Lovers of London series! We met Warren Bakshi in the first book, so it was great to finally get his story. I enjoyed his family and also the backstory of Matthew Shaw. This series is sweet, sexy, and funny, with characters that are interesting and original. I always enjoy when characters from previous books are brought in for cameos (or more) and this is no exception. The world Everlee builds is realistic and fascinating, and also sad thanks due to the historical elements. The narration was excellent, great pace and voicing. Recommend it for fans of Regency and lgbtqia romance!
In 1886 London, barkeep Warren is happy with his secret life working at a gay gentleman’s club—until a fling with detective Matthew exposes them both to the risks of desire in a world where love can endanger their careers and their freedom.
This is a light-hearted but tense story with well-developed characters. Warren’s family relationships add fun and texture to the story. Matthew is such a sweetheart—it’s wonderful to see him find a sense of belonging at last. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a light-hearted but tense story with well-developed characters. Warren’s family relationships add fun and texture to the story. Matthew is such a sweetheart—it’s wonderful to see him find a sense of belonging at last. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks to Jess Everlee, Harlequin/Carina Adores, and NetGalley for the ARC! I received a free copy to review, but as always, my opinions are my own.
This is a sweet MM romance set in Victorian-era London. Warren Bakshi is the son of Punjabi immigrants and the sole support of his mother while his brother is off making his fortune. He helps with the housework during the week (where he is charming, savvy, and a devoted son) and tends bar at a gay bar, The Curious Fox, on weekends (where he is flirty, unsentimental, and determinedly single). Matty Shaw is a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, but his position is tenuous - he's mostly worked undercover, trading off his youth and effeminate beauty, and the rest of the staff doesn't hold him in the same high regard that his retiring mentor does.
When Matty needs to go undercover as an art student to investigate an art fraud, he seeks drawing lessons from Warren. But Warren's boss has forbidden him to have anything to do with Matty, because the last thing a gay bar needs in that era is an officer of the law on the premises. Warren and Matty's attraction is magnetic. They have to figure out what to do with it, at the same time that Warren is figuring out his changing role in his family and Matty is navigating his changing feelings about his profession.
Note: I kind of expected from the setup that Warren and Matty would wind up investigating Matty's case together, but this is not a mystery. It's much more about their personal journeys and their growing relationship.
I should be clear that this is the only book in the series that I've read! There was no difficulty following the plot - relevant backstories were filled in when needed, in a way that felt natural - but characters from previous books make enough of a substantial appearance that I think having read them first would have added depth and weight to the story. It did make me want to go back and read the earlier ones.
This is a sweet MM romance set in Victorian-era London. Warren Bakshi is the son of Punjabi immigrants and the sole support of his mother while his brother is off making his fortune. He helps with the housework during the week (where he is charming, savvy, and a devoted son) and tends bar at a gay bar, The Curious Fox, on weekends (where he is flirty, unsentimental, and determinedly single). Matty Shaw is a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, but his position is tenuous - he's mostly worked undercover, trading off his youth and effeminate beauty, and the rest of the staff doesn't hold him in the same high regard that his retiring mentor does.
When Matty needs to go undercover as an art student to investigate an art fraud, he seeks drawing lessons from Warren. But Warren's boss has forbidden him to have anything to do with Matty, because the last thing a gay bar needs in that era is an officer of the law on the premises. Warren and Matty's attraction is magnetic. They have to figure out what to do with it, at the same time that Warren is figuring out his changing role in his family and Matty is navigating his changing feelings about his profession.
Note: I kind of expected from the setup that Warren and Matty would wind up investigating Matty's case together, but this is not a mystery. It's much more about their personal journeys and their growing relationship.
I should be clear that this is the only book in the series that I've read! There was no difficulty following the plot - relevant backstories were filled in when needed, in a way that felt natural - but characters from previous books make enough of a substantial appearance that I think having read them first would have added depth and weight to the story. It did make me want to go back and read the earlier ones.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There’s a lot of different aspects to this story that made it so enjoyable. It’s a character driven story with the characters’ development unrolled gradually through the story. Warren and Matty had different upbringings but find themselves meeting one another at a time where they’re both have a lot of upheaval in their lives. They find common ground through an art class that allows them to get to know one another better when the rest of their world doesn’t align.
Warren is the son of Punjabi immigrants and since he was 16, he’s taken care of his mother after his older brother ran off to find his fortune ten years ago. But he lives two different lives, one charming and haggling market vendors to stay on budget and being the dutiful son for his other; and the second working as a barkeep at The Curious Fox where he’s cultivated a carefree and debauched reputation. But the rakish hero finds his match with Matty and a way to blend the changes into his life.
Matty has been a Special Investigative Detective at Scotland Yard ever since his mentor rescued him. Solving cases by working as an entrapper and going under cover. I was wary about Matty’s past, but trusting the author and following the breadcrumbs I was given about his past as an entrapper, it gave me the full picture of what he’d endured and his own reconciliation with it. The retirement of his mentor and meeting Warren really shakes up his perception of himself and how others see him.
I really loved the self exploration Matty had from finding a new interest and a sense of belonging he felt with Warren that gave him the confidence to stand for himself.
There’s so much depth of emotion between these characters and side characters that mean a lot to them. It was beautiful and heartfelt and I couldn’t stop highlighting lines throughout the story.
To Sketch a Scandal is the fourth book in the Lucky Lovers of London series.
I’ve only read the last two books of the series and while this could be read as a standalone. The side characters and one of the main locations, The Curious Fox, may provide more context if previous books are read first.
There are two open door encounters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Warren is the son of Punjabi immigrants and since he was 16, he’s taken care of his mother after his older brother ran off to find his fortune ten years ago. But he lives two different lives, one charming and haggling market vendors to stay on budget and being the dutiful son for his other; and the second working as a barkeep at The Curious Fox where he’s cultivated a carefree and debauched reputation. But the rakish hero finds his match with Matty and a way to blend the changes into his life.
Matty has been a Special Investigative Detective at Scotland Yard ever since his mentor rescued him. Solving cases by working as an entrapper and going under cover. I was wary about Matty’s past, but trusting the author and following the breadcrumbs I was given about his past as an entrapper, it gave me the full picture of what he’d endured and his own reconciliation with it. The retirement of his mentor and meeting Warren really shakes up his perception of himself and how others see him.
I really loved the self exploration Matty had from finding a new interest and a sense of belonging he felt with Warren that gave him the confidence to stand for himself.
There’s so much depth of emotion between these characters and side characters that mean a lot to them. It was beautiful and heartfelt and I couldn’t stop highlighting lines throughout the story.
To Sketch a Scandal is the fourth book in the Lucky Lovers of London series.
I’ve only read the last two books of the series and while this could be read as a standalone. The side characters and one of the main locations, The Curious Fox, may provide more context if previous books are read first.
There are two open door encounters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (maybe a 4...they are kinda ‘average’ length as far as I could tell on audio)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (it’s possible I missed something)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both heroes
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – about 17% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook version through NetGalley on their app
Why I chose this book: The cover looked super cute!
Mains: Warren Bakshi and Mattie Shaw - this is a M/M relationship between two cisgendered queer heroes
Should I read in order?
I have only read book 3 – I personally think this stands alone well for the romance but there’s some friendships mentioned that have occurred throughout the series so I’m sure pleasure can be found reading in order.
Basic plot:
Warren and Mattie have an immediate connection – but Warren’s boss forbids them to see each other at his work. When they realize they are taking the same art lessons, it leads to more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1886
- M/M relationship
- Warren’s a bartender
- Matty’s a detective inspector
- instalust elements
- art lessons
- drag events
- medium steam – 2 full scenes (I might have missed one towards the end?)
Ages:
- Matty is 25, didn’t catch Warren
First line:
When it came to such concepts as following rules, Warren Bakshi was a hit or miss sort of chap.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was really, really cute. It takes a bit for the mains to meet but this set up their respective situations and families and that is what really helped bring these characters to live. I fell in love with both of them, and loved their growth throughout the book. They really are perfect for each other – Warren with his silliness and banter pulling Mattie out of his shell a bit – and reinforcing that he is worthy of love and worthy of being with.
I LOVED the inclusion of the drag scenes. They were so funny and adorable and Everlee’s writing just immersed me so much in their antics. I wasn’t super in love with book 3 of this series (it was fine overall but I wasn’t clamoring for me) but this book has made me way more eager to grab more from them in the future.
Super sweet story.
As for the narration, I think this my first by Joel Leslie. I wasn’t sure how I felt at first – especially for his side characters voices. They seemed almost over exaggerated to me? But over the course of the book I really fell in love with the narration. It was done so well – the variations for the characters, the emotion within the dialogue. I really appreciated this narration and would definitely pick up more by Leslie!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- homophobia and laws against queer people are a plot point
Author content warnings? Didn’t catch any on audio
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex: I don’t believe so? I think condoms are mentioned, can’t really remember
How’s the consent? It’s good
Pregnancy/children in story? Nope
Chapter 4 (22%) – kisses, partial that’s interrupted
Chapter 11 (52%) – 🔥kisses mutual bjs
Chapter 14 (73%) – 🔥kisses, Warrnen on top with a mirror in the headboard
Total chapters: 21 and an epilogue
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (maybe a 4...they are kinda ‘average’ length as far as I could tell on audio)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (it’s possible I missed something)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both heroes
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – about 17% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook version through NetGalley on their app
Why I chose this book: The cover looked super cute!
Mains: Warren Bakshi and Mattie Shaw - this is a M/M relationship between two cisgendered queer heroes
Should I read in order?
I have only read book 3 – I personally think this stands alone well for the romance but there’s some friendships mentioned that have occurred throughout the series so I’m sure pleasure can be found reading in order.
Basic plot:
Warren and Mattie have an immediate connection – but Warren’s boss forbids them to see each other at his work. When they realize they are taking the same art lessons, it leads to more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1886
- M/M relationship
- Warren’s a bartender
- Matty’s a detective inspector
- instalust elements
- art lessons
- drag events
- medium steam – 2 full scenes (I might have missed one towards the end?)
Ages:
- Matty is 25, didn’t catch Warren
First line:
When it came to such concepts as following rules, Warren Bakshi was a hit or miss sort of chap.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was really, really cute. It takes a bit for the mains to meet but this set up their respective situations and families and that is what really helped bring these characters to live. I fell in love with both of them, and loved their growth throughout the book. They really are perfect for each other – Warren with his silliness and banter pulling Mattie out of his shell a bit – and reinforcing that he is worthy of love and worthy of being with.
I LOVED the inclusion of the drag scenes. They were so funny and adorable and Everlee’s writing just immersed me so much in their antics. I wasn’t super in love with book 3 of this series (it was fine overall but I wasn’t clamoring for me) but this book has made me way more eager to grab more from them in the future.
Super sweet story.
As for the narration, I think this my first by Joel Leslie. I wasn’t sure how I felt at first – especially for his side characters voices. They seemed almost over exaggerated to me? But over the course of the book I really fell in love with the narration. It was done so well – the variations for the characters, the emotion within the dialogue. I really appreciated this narration and would definitely pick up more by Leslie!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
- homophobia and laws against queer people are a plot point
Author content warnings? Didn’t catch any on audio
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Safe sex:
How’s the consent?
Pregnancy/children in story?
Chapter 4 (22%) – kisses, partial that’s interrupted
Chapter 11 (52%) – 🔥kisses mutual bjs
Chapter 14 (73%) – 🔥kisses, Warrnen on top with a mirror in the headboard
Total chapters: 21 and an epilogue