Summary

Kit Webb has left his stand-and-deliver days behind him. But dreary days at his coffee shop have begun to make him pine for the heady rush of thievery. When a handsome yet arrogant aristocrat storms into his shop, Kit quickly realizes he may be unable to deny whatever this highborn man desires.

In order to save himself and a beloved friend, Percy, Lord Holland must go against every gentlemanly behavior he holds dear to gain what he needs most: a book that once belonged to his mother, a book his father never lets out of his sight and could be Percy’s savior. More comfortable in silk-filled ballrooms than coffee shops frequented by criminals, his attempts to hire the roughly hewn highwayman, formerly known as Gladhand Jack, proves equal parts frustrating and electrifying.

Kit refuses to participate in the robbery but agrees to teach Percy how to do the deed. Percy knows he has little choice but to submit and as the lessons in thievery begin, he discovers thievery isn’t the only crime he’s desperate to commit with Kit.

But when their careful plan goes dangerously wrong and shocking revelations threaten to tear them apart, can these stolen hearts withstand the impediments in their path?

Review

I *almost* didn’t pick this book up because of the illustrated cover… But I’ve never been let down by a Cat Sebastian book before, and I’m so glad I decided to pick this one up! Weird illustrated cover notwithstanding, it’s full of all the wonderful, glorious Cat Sebastian insides I’ve come to know and love.

Most of the historicals I read are set in the Regency period, so this was a fun adventure with Georgian era fashion. I also really loved reading all the descriptions of the training and swordplay and just general skullduggery. This book felt a bit darker and more angsty than some of Cat’s other work, while still also (somehow) retaining the softness I love about her books. There’s also plenty of wit, snarky side characters, and themes of class and privilege throughout.

I sort of adore Percy and Kit. Percy is a lordling who wields his pomposity like a shield to hide how vulnerable he really is underneath all the wigs and powder and beauty patches. And then there’s Kit, who is trying to piece together how to live his life after it’s shattered completely for a second time. It’s not spelled out (because these terms didn’t exist in the 18th century, but the people sure did) but Kit is demi and pan, and Percy is gay. I love seeing more demi-sexual rep in romances!!

I loved this book, and can’t wait to see what Marian and [redacted] get up to in the next book in the series, which I cannot find a title for but had BETTER be coming at some point because I NEED it. 😉

A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.