I've always heard great things about Cat Sebastian, and while this didn't disappoint, it wasn't perfect.

Kit Webb used to be a highway robber but after his partner's death and being shot in an inconvenient place, he now works at his coffee shop. And he's bored. In walks Percy, a man who needs a highway robber. With his injury, Kit can only teach Percy how to do the robbery. As they grow close, revelations bring them closer after they act like mature adults.

The romance was nice and full of open conversations. It was nice to read about adults being mature. I'll admit that the sex scenes were too steamy to be reading during a break at work. The only problem I had was that the conflict was resolved too easily and resolved disappointingly. I almost expect a sequel to this because things happened to another character and are never explained.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

I’ve read other Cat Sebastian historical romances but this book is definitely different from her other books. It revolves around a retired highwayman and an aristocrat trying to hire him to steal from his father. The chemistry between Percy and Kit was AMAZING! Sebastian is so good at giving her main characters such great banter and sexual tension. Also, let’s not forget about the awesome side characters that made this book even more funny and interesting.
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I love that there are small conflicts between the main couple throughout the book but they talk it out like mature adults and there’s none of that nonsense about miscommunication. I devoured this book in two days and I just really need Sebastian to release another book already! COMES OUT JUNE 8TH!

*Thank you to @netgalley, @Avonbooks & @HarperVoyagerUS for my free advanced copy. All opinions are my own.*

Sweet queer romance set in Regency England. Kit is a retired highwayman who is very, very bored. And then Percy steps into his coffeehouse with some tantalizing proposals.

I live for stories set in Regency-era coffeehouses as dens of iniquity.

I loved this book in a big, big way. Kit adjusting to his disability, Percy trying to figure out who he wanted to be, Kit's radical politics. Both men had awakenings about who they were and wanted to be, and it was sweet and sexy and a romp. Swordfighting? Highway robbery? Third act twists? No stone left unturned.

THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB was a surprising delight. If you enjoy queer romance and/or historical romance novels, this is surely a read for you. Here are my three favorite things about this story:

1. The characters: this is a m/m romance between a grumpy, retired criminal/commoner and a pompous aristocrat. Their dynamic was everything it was set up to be - fun, lots of banter, enemies-to-lovers. I particularly enjoyed how the characters had different backgrounds and prejudices, but ultimately learned how to respect one another’s feelings and pov.

2. The dialogue: Smart and quippy but wonderfully romantic, the dialogue was a hit for me. I chucked out loud multiple times when reading - we love a good verbal spar.

3. The communication: aka no third act breakup! I loved how these characters learned to communicate effectively with one another throughout the course of the story. The fact that this book skipped a third act break up entirely made the last 1/3 of this book that much more of a joy to read.

I would recommend this as a queer historical rom-com. The plotting of the mystery and the heist elements weren’t the strongest, but the romance makes the story a worthwhile read. THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB is overall an entertaining and enjoyable book!

Note: please defer to other reviewers’ feedback when it comes to Kit’s disability representation.

Kit Webb is a former highway robber who has turned over a new leaf, although begrudgingly, to run a legitimate coffee shop. Percy, aka Lord Holland, is an aristocrat who has used his money and title to float through life. When faced with a challenge that he can't buy his way out of, Percy finds himself in need of a thief. While Kit is adamant that his thieving days are over, he agrees to teach Percy how to commit the crime himself. What neither of them expect is to become so entangled in one another's lives...and hearts. Cat Sebastian's trade paperback debut is a light-hearted yet touching romp is sure to win hearts of its own.

I enjoyed this book so much!!! Typical period pieces are set in the regency era so seeing this late baroque era romance was quite fun! Kit and Percy have incredible chemistry from the moment they lay eyes on each other but it doesn’t feel forcefully sexual. In fact it just seems like a really strong crush that just gets justified the more time they spend together which is simply perfect. I wasn’t expecting a heist and mystery either but that made this book all the more interesting. I found that occasionally the writing was a bit awkward and occasionally the plot seemed to skip over things under the assumption they were obvious but I felt needed more explanation. There were a couple of anachronisms too. None of these critiques affected my overall enjoyment of the book though!!

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb is another stellar work by Cat Sebastian.

I think what I like most about Cat Sebastian's characters is how kind they are to each other, how sweet and caring. They're not reliant on some Grand Gesture to show love, but just, like SO into each other. When there's a misunderstanding or miscommunication, it seems to blow over because the characters, in this case Kit and Percy, give each other the benefit of the doubt. They ascribe the best possible motives to each other, and really try to empathize with where the other is coming from. This accomplishes the following goals: it shows that the characters LIKE each other, that it's not all physical attraction (although, oof, she's so good at establishing that, too) and it makes the HEA much more realistic; it takes out the frustration for the reader--you know they're going to get together in the end, why make a Big Deal out of something that's going to be explained away anyway; it establishes that these characters--whatever traumas they're suffering--are emotionally healthy enough to move forward with the relationship, that they can forgive and have some awareness of the difference between the trauma-causer and the person they're falling in love with.

The dialogue is first-rate--smooth & believable. The inner dialogue is, as well. I love how the characters come to the realization that they are attracted to one another, and the varied reasons why, and how they try to half-heartedly talk themselves out of it. I'm never not down for an "eat the rich" subtext (text text, whatever). I like how the side characters are introduced--enough so you know who's probably starring in the next book but not so much that they take over the story. The sex scenes are hot and steamy, but also heart-meltingly dear. Kit and Percy just cannot seem to remember that this is supposed to be no big deal and they find themselves crooning.

The writing is *chef's kiss.* I literally had to put the book down, get out of bed at 11:30 pm, and text a friend a paragraph where Percy is deciding what to wear. Maybe three or four sentences? And it established a bit about the character, described the clothes beautifully, thereby setting a place, time, and social station, and drew the reader in with the evocation of color and texture.

I can't say enough good things about the book, this author. The cover, though? Wow. Nope nope nope. It looks like a YA, which this is definitely NOT. Avon, generally, could do much, much better by one of their brightest stars.

ARC graciously provided by #NetGalley, opinions my own..

Despite the author's tendency to over-tell instead of show, it's a fun romance.
This review is based on an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

A gorgeous romance — the two main characters are truly transformed through their encounter with each other, and the novel traces each of their developmental arcs. Unlike other historical romances, this one doesn't celebrate wealth and its trappings, but instead critiques the institutions of aristocracy and class and their detrimental impacts not only on the have nots, but also the haves.

Cat Sebastian can truly do no wrong. She's been on my auto-buy list for years now, and has yet to disappoint. Nobody else does queer romance quite so delightfully -- and it's ~historical~, too? And stays true to the time period/historical societal issues while also being steamy as hell? Talk about a magical unicorn. *Chef's kiss* all around.

Things that I love about Sebastian's books in general/"The Queer Principles of Kit Webb" specifically:

1) The representation across the queer spectrum with her characters is wonderful. From the outside looking in, this appears to be a gay romance, BUT IN FACT, Percy is gay while Kit is demi/bi, and there's a supporting character who's either bi or pan. Do y'all even know how rare it is to find demisexual characters in ANYTHING, let alone romances??? Thank you so much, Cat Sebastian, may Buddha bless you.

2) The characters themselves are charming/engaging as can be. Both Kit and Percy are complicated heroes who learn and grow both as individuals and as a couple through the course of the story, and they each have plenty of moments that make us clutch our chests and croon, "POOR BABY!"

3) The found family aspect. All of Sebastian's stories love to highlight that -- as is so often the case for IRL queer folks -- the family you make for yourself is often more important or valid than any blood you happen to be born into. The supporting cast of allies/supporters/friends is lovely and adds layers to Kit's and Percy's stories. I especially adored Betty, the younger woman who works in Kit's coffeeshop and isn't afraid to browbeat him (for his own good) whilst openly disdaining Percy (who she instantly knows is bad news, lol).

4) The fact that the challenge the leads face isn't simply overcoming society's prejudices/avoiding persecution from the legalized bigotry of the time. I am so so so SO tired of all queer stories being centered around coming out/homophobia narratives. Yes, those are important and necessary. But we also need to see stories where queer folks can just have adventures/romances beyond those issues. And Sebastian always does a magnificent job of delivering on that front. Her stories have a refreshing lack of bigotry for the heroes to overcome, focusing instead on other personal dramas.

5) The HEA. I am equally SO TIRED of queer folks being killed off -- usually horribly, usually suddenly for shock value -- or being denied Happily Ever Afters in fiction/media, because that so often smacks of the puritanical bullshit re: queerness being "a sin" that must be punished. With Sebastian, we NEVER have to worry about that. Only guaranteed HEAs here, folks! And it's such a dang relief. Sebastian's stories are never pure fluff, and her characters often have to overcome awful traumas or problems, but there's so much comfort to be had in knowing it'll all be okay in the end. So reassuring, especially in these pandemic days. I turn to her books whenever I need a genuine pick-me-up.

6) The sex scenes. So hot. SOOOO HOT. And a large part of that hotness is because Sebastian does a PHENOMENAL JOB of building up the sexual tension and making the big events emotional, character-building scenes as well as smokin' smut.

7) The societal commentary. Sebastian's books often have underlying, searing themes about real world issues -- misogyny, racism, class inequality -- and "The Queer Principles of Kit Webb" has one of the sharpest critiques yet; in this case, the inherent rottenness of the aristocracy/systems of wealth that CONTINUE to oppress the majority of people. In today's age of billionaires, Kit's rages against the ruling class still rings painfully true.

All in all, "The Queer Principles of Kit Webb" is yet another slam dunk, hole in one, center of the bull's-eye, (insert your preferred sports analogy here) winner of a book. I devoured the whole thing in two sittings, and am already impatient for the NEXT Sebastian book. If you love romance, if you love queer romance, if you love historical romance, if you love QUEER HISTORICAL ROMANCE (!!!!), pick this up asap -- and be sure to order copies of ALL of Sebastian's previous works. Gold stars and waves of serotonin all around.

There's so much to love about Kit and Percy as their romance develops and they both become better individuals as well as a fantastic couple who are aware of their own vulnerabilities and the many challenges to their relationship, including class and cultural differences, but sweetly (and sexily) persevere.

Kit Webb is used to being on the wrong side of the law but being on the right side of it is so boring. After an injury forces Kit to become a coffee shop owner he spends his days doing the same routine until the dashing and arrogant Lord Holland shows up at his shop. Percy is trying to save himself and his best friend from being taken down by a blackmailer and needs the help of the famous and now retired highwayman Kit.

Kit finds himself battling against every ingrained lesson and opinion about the gentry that he has ever held in order to aid Percy in his quest to rob Percy's father for his late mother's book in order to save him and his friend. Unable to participate in the robbery himself because of his injury Kit teaches Percy how to become a criminal with interestingly dangerous lessons that become steamy as time moves on. As Kit and Percy become more to each other than mere friends or teacher and student the stakes rise to treacherous for as they risk both their lives for the robbery and their futures.

This book is delightfully written, a steamy English romance with a seductively queer story in addition to the diverse cast of characters. People who already read Cat Sebastian will be thrilled with it and new readers will rejoice in finding another inclusive romance author!

Honestly, I don’t know if I’m being entirely objective, but I just loved this book. It is an historical fiction romance about the sarcastic, tough, Kitt Webb, formally known as Gladhand Jack, who can only be compared to Robin Hood in his chivalry and skill and the witty, over-the-top, noble Percy Holland who is struggling with and with the small problem of someone blackmailing him and the father whom he despises.

I adored this novel and every single one of it’s characters, except Marian, I still have no clue what was going on there. Percy, especially stands out, he is arrogant and quite obstinate, but he is also earnest and charming. He’s struggling with the legacy of his family and trying to find his way in a world that he is learning is not built for him, as his upbringing might have led him to believe. (Also he’s not struggling with his identity, he is unabashedly a gay man, and I love that about him, AND THAT THERE IS A GAY. HISTORICAL FICTION NOT CENTERED AROUND HOMOPHOBIA AND THE STRUGGLES OF THAT. Not to say that it didn’t exist, it absolutely did, but it feels isolating (at least to me) for queer romances to make the focus around the oppression and homophobia instead of the relationship itself, and it makes it seem like being gay is something new or rare, when it was actually quite prevalent in history, but historians labeled it as “Sappho and her friend”.

Anyways, I don’t think this novel is the most lyrical or contains beautiful prose. The writing itself kind of struck me as standard-fare romance writing, and there are smut scenes, which I wouldn’t have been expecting judging from cover and description alone, but do be forewarned there are at least 3 graphic smut scenes, and they are in the vein of standard romance novels. So if writing like that or a scene like that bothers you, maybe keep that in mind when deciding whether to pick up this book.

However i think this book is completely worth it due to it’s characters and the principal romance alone. Their banter is incredible, and I loved the dynamic between the two leads, for any enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers fans, this is a great one. The side characters don’t feel that fleshed out but they all do feel like real people, especially Betty and Collins, I really liked them. The plot isn’t anything to scoff at either, it’s super fun and the tension building up to the heist is really well-done. There are also a couple side-plots that all still surrounded the main cast that I really liked because they were fun, but admittedly didn’t add much to the plot.

Cat Sebastian write the best historical M/M romances! Their is a perfect balance of serious social issues and witty banter. I loved every minute of this story.

I got to read the NetGalley ARC, this is my review:

I fell in love immediately, and kept falling all the way through. I may still be falling. What a great story! Forged in the pandemic year, (and other adversities, as the author notes in her Acknowledgments), this novel is a snarkily endearing cross-classes treasure not to be missed. Each of our MCs has soul-scarring issues, but the artfully awkward ways they come into each other's lives is what really got to me. Cat Sebastian has taught me to expect a lot from her, but this hit all my buttons on humor, trust, ethics, morals, and kindness.

Very highly recommended.

QUOTE: (Percy)
This was what he wanted--the chance to be known for the worst of what he was and to be held dear anyway, the ability to trust a person as more than an ally.

Kit and Percy are pretty much the definition of navigating the grey. Neither one of them is all good - or all bad. Neither has had an easy life - even though Percy has had pretty much every possible privilege. That divide between the haves and have nots is explored pretty extensively on this end. Who is worse or better? The rich Duke who treats people as disposable and beneath his notice or the Highwayman who robs people. Both Kit and Percy are trying to figure out how they fit into their own lives after things change. For Percy, even his name keeps changing - so everything is very unsettled. For Kit, his identity as a person is up in the air again due to his injuries and the loss of a good friend.

I'll admit - despite my deep love of all things Cat Sebastian - I had a hard time getting in to this story. I guess at first I really didn't like Percy. I also really wasn't sure how I felt about Kit. I also, at times, got a little confused about the relationship between some of the characters. Also, sadly (and in the interest of full disclosure) I am not a huge fan of Georgian romances.

I give this one a very solid 3.5 stars - I loved how it ended and the character development along the way. This book is definitely a journey and the characters are fascinating. The central mystery is hidden in plain sight - and isn't much of a mystery - but that is ok because it really isn't the focus of the book. The focus is on the way the characters grow into themselves and find their footing in the murky waters of right and wrong and personal identities.

Overall - I definitely recommend and fans of Cat Sebastian won't be disappointed. As a writer, Cat Sebastian has a unique way of challenging our own principles - but in a way that makes it so interesting and enaging.

I was extremely lucky to receive and ARC of this book from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

This is one of those books where I just go: sigh. Its so good that I just want to sit in the awe of its wonderfulness. It’s well written, sweet, sexy with unexpected surprises and a saisfying ending. Is it completely without fault? No but its pros far outweigh its weaknesses. Kit Webb is an infamous highwayman who, having been permanently injured in a failed robbery, now owns a coffeehouse. Into his life comes Percy, an aristocratic dandy who is in need of Kit’s robbing skills and a complicated relationship full of sexual tension is born. The two main characters are fully realized and their every interaction crackles with chemistry and tension. The slow burn romance is exquisitely done. It just builds and builds, the details, the dialogue until all just explodes, literally and figuratively. The plot is a bit half baked, it makes sense until it doesn’t and the side characters, while entertaining and fulfilling a purpose get short shrift. Sebastian brings in the historical reality of their situation but they also seem to be a world unto themselves - which is not that uncommon in romances. While the ending is fully satisfying on the romantic front - plot wise it does feel rushed and a little unrealistic and there’s definitely a plot hole or two. However, the simplistic beauty of the writing and the romance between the two main characters make this a real winner!

This was an utter delight. I read it from start to finish in one sitting and don't regret it in the slightest. I've been reading a lot of (very good) epic fantasy lately, and this was such a refreshing break from the heavy seriousness of it all. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but is also very sweet (and funny).

Kit is grumpy and charming, Percy and his valet remind me rather a lot of Bertie Wooster and Jeeves, though Percy is rather cleverer than Wooster. I find myself very curious what mischief Marian was getting up to throughout it all, and hope her book will follow soon.

I also have to hand it to Cat Sebastian for her rendition of Kit's injury that causes him chronic pain. It was thoughtful and integrated into the story and felt real and honest.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing an e-arc to review.

Cat Sebastian was the first author I ever read when I started my foray into romance novels, and gosh, she still is my favorite! I can always rely on her stories for several things:

1) Two adorable main characters, both extremely different but who ultimately make sense together.

2) Historical accuracy - and a range of historical settings!

3) Heart fluttering romance & spicy delightful sex scenes.

4) An HEA (or at least an HFN).

This book is definitely one of my favorite of Sebastian’s works! I loved the time period of the book (silk stockings, velvet beauty patches, powdered wigs? Yes, please!) and the intrigue, mystery and drama of the plot was engaging and believable. Kit & Percy have wonderful chemistry, and I especially loved Percy’s blatant attempts at flirting. All in all, a cute, romantic, totally enjoyable romance - can there be a sequel, please?

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Publishing June 8, 2021.