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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio & Jess Everlee for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 4 in the Lucky Lovers of London series. I have NOT read the previous three books and this stands sufficiently on its own. I love that.
This novel is a charming 1880s London achillean romance. It shows how the queer community AND Scotland Yard operated in this time period. I found the chemistry to be believable between the MCs. Both of their backstories were shared well and I became invested in their well being.
Narration was really well done!
Warren and Marty's relationship was just precious. Their intimacy was so beautiful and poignant. It made my heart very happy.
Thank you to Carina Adores and Netgalley for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Carina Adores and Netgalley for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
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.