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To Sketch a Scandal
by Jess Everlee
Warren Bakshi is the "resident cynical slattern" and barkeep of a "private club" (read: gay bar) in 19th century London and proud of it. He's totally happy with his life: he helps run the house he shares with his mother during the day, and by night he charms the clientele at The Curious Fox. He's totally one of those men who swear they'll never fall in love and they're happier with their numerous liaisons than they would be settling down.
Matty Shaw, on the other hand, is a Scotland Yard detective who makes his living by going undercover to investigate crimes. Again, this is 19th century London, so one of the possible "crimes" he could be called on to investigate is sodomy. Matty feels ambivalent about his job, and especially ambivalent about looking into these specific cases because he's gay, himself. He knows he could lose his job if anyone finds out, but he doesn't know what else to do with his life.
Enter: art lessons. Matty is investigating an art school under suspicion of forgery; Warren's family recently had a reversal of fortune, and he's able to take art lessons instead of keeping house. Matty and Warren strike up a friendship, and then a friendship with benefits. They're both on the cusp of a life change, and they just might be there for each other.
There's a lot to love about this book. It has what I consider to be the perfect mix of plot and character development; I was never bored and I felt connected with both leads. The relationship progression was great, and the resolution of the relationship and of the external conflict was perfectly suited to the book. That said, this is one of those historical romances that, while there's an ultimate HEA, still makes me feel a little melancholic. Matty and Warren end up in love and with friends who acknowledge and support their relationship. But there's always going to be an element of deception about their relationship, and Everlee doesn't let you forget about it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Matty Shaw, on the other hand, is a Scotland Yard detective who makes his living by going undercover to investigate crimes. Again, this is 19th century London, so one of the possible "crimes" he could be called on to investigate is sodomy. Matty feels ambivalent about his job, and especially ambivalent about looking into these specific cases because he's gay, himself. He knows he could lose his job if anyone finds out, but he doesn't know what else to do with his life.
Enter: art lessons. Matty is investigating an art school under suspicion of forgery; Warren's family recently had a reversal of fortune, and he's able to take art lessons instead of keeping house. Matty and Warren strike up a friendship, and then a friendship with benefits. They're both on the cusp of a life change, and they just might be there for each other.
There's a lot to love about this book. It has what I consider to be the perfect mix of plot and character development; I was never bored and I felt connected with both leads. The relationship progression was great, and the resolution of the relationship and of the external conflict was perfectly suited to the book. That said, this is one of those historical romances that, while there's an ultimate HEA, still makes me feel a little melancholic. Matty and Warren end up in love and with friends who acknowledge and support their relationship. But there's always going to be an element of deception about their relationship, and Everlee doesn't let you forget about it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.