Review by Booklist Review
Up until now, Detective Inspector Matthew "Matty" Shaw's undercover work for the London Metropolitan Police has involved playing a "model" in stings designed to bait men into breaking England's homosexuality laws. Now, with a possible promotion in the works, Matty is attempting a bit of a makeover by posing as an artist in a new case concerning counterfeit paintings. In order to improve his deplorable drawing skills, Matty enrolls in Buttersnipe's School for Artistic Enrichment, where, much to his surprise, he bumps into Warren Bakshi, whom Matty knows as a barkeep at The Curious Fox. However, all it takes is Warren's offer of some private drawing lessons and Matty finds himself in danger of blowing his professional reputation sky high. With the latest stellar addition to her Lucky Lovers of London series, Everlee (A Rulebook for Restless Rogues, 2023) draws upon her exemplary literary palette--including a flair for characterization and a delightfully acerbic wit--to paint a captivating picture of the risks and rewards of same-sex love in Victorian Britain.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Everlee's smooth fourth Lucky Lovers of London Victorian romance (after A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadance) follows Scotland Yard detective Matty Shaw, who, at 25, is eager to take over his retiring mentor's role as chief detective. However, his undercover work baiting men into committing criminal sodomy has tarnished his reputation, putting his promotion in jeopardy. He has one last job to prove that his investigative prowess extends beyond seduction: pose as an art student to determine if a scammy art school is behind a slew of counterfeit paintings. Meanwhile, Anglo-Indian Warren Bakshi tends bar at a secret gay club to support his mother--until his older brother, Harry, returns after years away with a fortune and wife in tow. This windfall, combined with Harry's insistence that Warren find a more respectable career, leads him to enroll in the suspect art school, where Matty soon begs Warren's help in improving his art skills lest he blow his cover. Their attraction is undeniable, but they must keep it under wraps or risk their tenuous positions in society. Even with the high stakes that come from the criminalization of homosexuality, Everlee keeps things on the fluffy side, complete with fun, seductive banter and strong historical ambience. This is a treat. (July)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Two outsiders with double lives are drawn together by an art class in Everlee's fourth Victorian-era "Lucky Lovers of London" book (after A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence). Warren Bakshi, the rakish barkeeper of the gay club the Curious Fox, navigates a sudden change in circumstances--his brother has returned from sea with a new wife and a small fortune, relieving Warren of his role as sole caretaker of his mother and their house. While struggling to find a way forward, Warren takes a figure-drawing class to practice a long-neglected hobby. His classmate is Matty Shaw, an undercover police detective with a promotion to gain and everything to lose as he investigates his art-related case. When Matty meets Warren, they feel an instant spark, but more than that, Matty needs Warren to help him fit in among the artists in the class. Drawing lessons bring the two together, but Matty's and Warren's precarious positions threaten to end the romance before it can become something more lasting. VERDICT Everlee handles the complicated characters of Matty and Warren well and creates a believable and compelling historical gay romance, recommended for readers of Cat Sebastian and K.J. Charles.--Sierra Wilson
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