The perfect crimes of Marian Hayes A novel

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Which is exactly why Marian Hayes, Duchess of Clare, turns to Rob Brooks, the very con artist and highwayman who tried to unsuccessfully blackmail her, for help. After shooting her deplorable husband, Marian needs Rob's unique skill set to help her slip out of London and make her way safely to her father's home in Kent. Rob can think of a million reasons why he shouldn't help Marian, starting with the fact that she left him tied up in one of London's more disreputable inns. However, Rob is also developing a grudging admiration for Marian's pluck, leaving him to surmise that he could do worse than Marian as a potential new partner-in-crime. From its brilliantly crafted opening, in which the book's perfectly matched protagonists engage in a deliciously acerbic, epistolary duel of wits, to its blissfully romantic conclusion, everything about Sebastian's (The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, 2021) latest exceedingly sensual, superbly nuanced Georgian-set historical romance is perfectly on-point.

Sebastian's Georgian England--set sequel to The Queer Principals of Kit Webb shines with a pair of intoxicatingly audacious leads who so successfully blend good nature with criminal intention that readers will root for the success of every bad idea, including their unlikely romance. Lovable thief Rob "Gladhand Jack" Brooks is displeased to learn from his brothel-owning mother that he is the legitimate heir of the Duke of Clare, a role he has no interest in. Rob's attempt to blackmail the current Duke's unhappy new wife, Marian Hayes, with this information yields no money, but it leads the pair to a charming correspondence. Marian sets out to rob the Duke's coach for her own reasons--but after things go awry and she unintentionally shoots the Duke near-fatally, she compels Rob to join her on her flight from London, leading to lots of wittily acerbic verbal sparring and, of course, love. It's a rare m/f pairing from Sebastian, but with two bisexual leads, cross-dressing, and frank discussions of the pleasures of non-penetrative sex, this refreshing romance brings wonderfully queer sensibilities to bear. Sebastian's clever mix of Gilbert and Sullivan--esque plot, Robin Hood morality, and contemporary gender dynamics make a stunningly successful combination. Agent: Diedre Knight, Knight Agency. (June)

A woman falls in love with the man who attempted to blackmail her. This novel opens with a retelling of the events that ended the first book in the series, The Queer Principles of Kit Webb (2021), but from the point of view of Marian, Duchess of Clare. Trapped in a loveless marriage and recovering from a near-fatal pregnancy, Marian is outraged when a blackmailer threatens to reveal that her husband is a bigamist. If the news became public, it would invalidate her marriage and render her daughter a bastard. Rob Brooks has his own personal reasons for blackmailing Marian, but as they exchange letters, he's surprised to find himself admiring her moxie. She informs Rob that she won't pay the blackmail since she has her own plan to neutralize the threat of discovery. Her scheme goes terribly wrong, and she has no choice but to shoot her husband. Fearing she'll be arrested, Rob helps Marian flee London on horseback. They plan to hide at her father's country home until the coast is clear. Marian and Rob must trust each other to survive the journey, which is full of rollicking adventure. Their friendship and romance are emotionally satisfying, with both Marian and Rob determined to make it in the world on their own terms. The plotting fails to find its footing after the propulsive first act, but the sharp writing and likable band-of-thieves vibe is its own reward. Sebastian's hallmark witty banter and charming characters will keep readers invested in spite of the disjointed plot. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.