sarahm 's review for:

The Gentleman's Book of Vices by Jess Everlee

4.0

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I don't know how a whole sequel has come and gone in the time it took me to read this ARC, but here we are. I say sequel- the next book isn't truly a sequel, it's just set in this same world and with the same theme of "lucky lovers." But it's a enjoyable world to read and the theme of unlikely couples getting their happily-ever-afters no matter what is just simply good.

This book is full of ups and downs and issues at every turn trying to thwart the promised happy ending. Explicit and kinky sex aside, it's a cozy novel- there's high stakes discussed but it never feels like the characters are ever in real danger. It's not a book that takes itself too seriously, and you shouldn't hold it to that standard: none of the characters are trying to solve homophobia, it's not overly deep about the characters' troubles, and again none of the high-stakes threats are real. Everyone is lucky, everyone is happy in the end, and all the problems are wrapped up nicely.

I do wish there was a bit more emotional depth. I felt like I could only see what the characters were feeling by their actions, and I didn't feel like I was truly in their head. Each chapter notes whose perspective it's told from, so I expected a bit more omniscience regarding what was on everyone's minds

Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Adores for the e-ARC!