A posh-boy and a Scotsman with a Welsh name walk into a kirkyard...

I walked into this ARC with no expectations (it was my first time, after all!) but was delightfully surprised at the adventure that awaited me. 19th century Edinburgh? Yum. Historical fiction? YES PLEASE! What I didn't expect was an exquisite coming of age & self-acceptance story intertwined with some true crime and a hefty HEFTY sprinkle of romance.

I devoured this book tooth and nail- read it from start to finish in ~24 hours. The setting itself is intoxicating- from the scholarly banter between university students to Edinburgh's seedy underbelly, the crisp and descriptive writing really drew me in immediately. I think that James is a great character to experience this world through; the dichotomy of his upbringing and the underworld he finds himself in is well executed and believable from a modern perspective, while still facilitating the character's own personal growth throughout.

The romance, from my perspective, while not forced did feel a tad rushed - almost as if many of the vignettes that would bring a more holistic look to the beginning of Nye & James's relationship were not included. Don't let that discourage you- I think that says more about ME wanting MORE than the arc of the romance itself.

This book was deeply addictive and satisfying to consume. I find myself already itching for a re-read!!