4 stars!

Gives you exactly what you want! I read the first book in this series a few years ago and had a fun time with it so I'm happy to have enjoyed this as well.

Barkeep Warren Bakshi and undercover detective Matthew Shaw reunite at an art class after a short affair that put Warren at odds with his friends and threatened Matthew's job. Despite the risks and their normal lives closing in around them, the two just can't stay away from one another for long. It's cute, it's funny, it's hot–what else do you need from a romance? I like Jess Everlee's humor a lot and it got me kicking my feet over these guys. I will say that I found the idea of a smut writer in the first book more interesting than the artist thing in this book, and also I wish there was a better resolution to the art forgery plotline and an explanation of how Warren's brother got rich (honestly I thought he was going to end up being the art forger and that's how he got rich) but I don't really need a hugely thought-out plot in my romance books so I'm fine with it. It's also nice to see historical queer romance with non-white characters, since even at this point in time there was more diversity in London than is often portrayed.

Very sweet, but nothing life-changing. I'll continue to keep an eye on Jess Everlee!

Happy reading!

I was expecting this book like air. I love this series so damn much! It’s everything I wanted in a book: scandals, queerness, good representation, historical accuracy, good banters, excellent romance and relatable characters.
And here we have a detective and a barista with a brother in the mafia. I MEAN! This is so hot! I needed more! I need more! Please!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This book has a wonderful forbidden romance within a historical setting. It has diverse characters with non traditional settings and an enemies to lovers vibe (more opposing jobs than actual enmity). The main characters find acceptance from their actual and found families and build a community that provides a safe haven for themselves outcasts.
The narrator did a spectacular job. I love his voice but he also keeps a good pace and does a fabulous job voice acting.