The gentleman's book of vices

Charlie Price knows his impending marriage to Alma Merriweather means that he can no longer indulge in his taste for naughty books that celebrate forbidden love between men. But before Charlie puts his carefully curated collection of erotica away, he is determined to get his favorite author in the whole world, Reginald Cox, to autograph Charlie's copy of Cox's novel, Immorality Plays. However, when Charlie finally manages to track down Reginald, he is surprised to discover that London's leading purveyor of literary smut is actually grumpy, laconic, yet incredibly sexy bookshop owner Miles Montague. What is even more surprising is just how easily Miles can evoke the same kinds of feelings in Charlie in person as he does with his writing. What with its brilliantly blended notes of nuanced characterization, beautifully evoked Victorian setting, scorchingly sensual yet sweetly romantic love story, and slyly witty writing, readers will want to savor every word of Everlee's splendid debut, the launch of her Lucky Lovers of London series, like a fine vintage wine.

Everlee's sparkling debut finds rakish Charlie Price, a collector of erotic novels in 1883 London, falling for his favorite author, Miles Montague, who writes under the pseudonym Reginald Cox. Struggling bookshop owner Miles is initially wary of the handsome stranger who tracks him down for an autograph, convinced that Charlie intends to blackmail him for his tales of queer sex--until, as insurance, they each confess "something damning" to insure mutual destruction should either come forward. When Miles returns Charlie's visit, poor timing has him comically mistaken by Charlie's soon-to-be mother-in-law for a sommelier and he's tasked with selecting wine for Charlie's dreaded impending nuptials. The two men act on their passions in Charlie's library later that day, and their budding secret relationship inspires Miles to write, but there's a clock on their romance. Though Charlie's marriage is a loveless match to get him out of debt, Miles refuses to have an affair with a married man. As Charlie plots to call off the wedding and pursue a future with Miles, a bid to buy Miles's shop threatens the men's happiness. Charming supporting characters and vivid period detail enhance this enchanting romance. Everlee shows real promise. Agent: Laura Zats, Headwater Literary. (Dec.)

In 1883 London, well-dressed but nearly always drunk Charlie Prince is engaged to a woman who is convenient and proper but certainly not the love of his life. In an attempt at a last hurrah, Charlie seeks out Miles Montague, a writer of the erotic novels that Charlie has cherished and curated for so long. Sparks fly when Charlie and Miles meet, and the two must decide if their love is enough to sustain them against societal dictates. The first in a duology, Everlee's debut is a historical romance with an intriguing premise but disappointingly little depth. Though sexy, the characters are shallow, and their chemistry occasionally falls flat. Listeners may be exasperated by Charlie's wastrel tendencies and the tidy way in which the story wraps up. Narrator Tommy Hawthorne provides a sparkling delivery, although listeners may struggle to distinguish between different characters. VERDICT Despite its flaws, this series starter does sexy well. Listeners may hope for more depth in the second installment, but queer-romance fans will still find much to love.--Elyssa Everling