Fun, cute, a bit underdeveloped

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Kit and Percy are lovely characters with a fun, engaging dynamic. A wig-and-rouge-wearing aristocrat planning highway robbery and a hardened criminal running a coffee shop--yes, sign me up! They're a delight. Percy's child-like responses to cake and praise really endear me to him. Kit's total inability to lie (but attempting to anyway to everyone's bafflement) is absolutely adorable.

There's a lot of solid humor that kept me interested and laughing despite the story's total predictability. I would have been happier if the plot surprised me or at least presented itself in an exciting way, but the plot is disappointing and weak. It's tolerable to me since Kit and Percy are so fun, but other readers' mileage may vary. Judging by the YA-style cover, I had guessed it would have a Young or New Adult feel to it, but it almost has a Middle Grade feel instead, which feels odd paired with the explicit intimate scenes and murder.

The attempt at weaving class criticism into the story isn't particularly artful, but it's pleasing all the same. It makes reading about a fair-haired duke's love story a lot more intriguing, particularly with the "Robin Hood" allusions. If anything, the story would have been stronger if it had leaned more into that. As it is, it's almost too shy about it, making it feel incomplete. This also added to the Middle Grade feel--like it was introducing the concept to young people for the first time, which would be awesome except that it's too explicit for Middle Grade audiences.

The biggest problem isn't the plot, though. The secondary characters are far, far too underdeveloped. Not just for entertainment's sake, but for their critical role in the story. They're really just names and nothing else. Their hollowness really stands out and undermines the story's impact.

I'm happy with the epilogue because it sets up for a lot of fun adventures for our leading men (not in a way that promises a sequel, although it could, just in a way that's satisfying for their futures).

Minor gripe but I disliked Percy's intense unwillingness to scrap with a woman who volunteers to help him practice fighting. I didn't find this to be a particularly good way to establish that he has "good in him" or whatever, even if it's time appropriate. I wasn't outraged on behalf of women's equality or anything so major; it just feels odd for the story. Maybe it was the only way to justify Percy scrapping with the injured Kit? Still odd.

Joel Leslie's performance is top tier as always!

4 people found this helpful

I’ve truly enjoyed all of Cat Sebastian’s books

This book is no exception it illustrates the limited shitty choices of the poor and working class and the absolute power of the titled and privileged. But is also shows how two traumatized “prickly” individuals can tentatively reach out and find each other. I really love that because none of us is perfect and being loved in spite of this when we’ve been at our worst is truly special. Oh and the sex rocks of course.

2 people found this helpful

Ah! so good.

Joel Leslie is a genius and this book is a warm bath of m/m Regency goodness. Five stars all around.

2 people found this helpful

This book was fabulous!

I really loved this book! I'm glad I used a credit for it, as it's a book I can see myself rereading many times! I loved the romance between Kit and Percy.

And all the situations they found themselves in were great fun to listen to!

Joel Leslie did a really fantastic job performing this story. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration.

1 person found this helpful

A Jewel

Cat Sebastian brings characters to life in a way that sticks with the reader/listener long after the story has finished. The mad capers they might get up are highlighted by rare moments of sweet domesticity. Joel Leslie, as always, brings this story and the characters vividly alive.

1 person found this helpful

Fencing, Fighting, Escapes, True Love

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I do everything Cat Sebastian writes. Joel Leslie is always a pleasure to listen to as well.

I will say that I predicted the surprise twist, but that didn't make me enjoy it any less. I hope there will be a few more books in this world, I would love to know what happened to Marian and Rob, maybe even Flora.

1 person found this helpful

Honestly, it could be better.

This book had the potential to be something so much better than what it was. I went in with high expectations from what I read in the description, and was rather disappointed. I really wish I could have liked this more, but I didn't. Honestly, not worth the time so if you're considering reading/listening to this book, just do yourself a favor and read something else.

Entertaining

This was an entertaining, easy listen. I liked both Kit and Percy, and I really liked them together, talk about opposites! I enjoyed how they worked together on Percy's quest, after some hesitancy on Kit's part, which ultimately led to them falling in love.
I thought the mystery of the blackmailer was intriguing, and Cat Sebastian put a nice twist to it. The heist itself felt kind of rushed, after all the build up. I was satisfied with the way things ended with Kit and Percy, but the ending was definitely open-ended. After checking, I do see there will be a second book, featuring the 2 characters whose storyline we were kind of teased with. I was hoping Kit and Percy would be getting another book, but hopefully they'll be making appearances in the next one!

Another winner of a performance from Joel Leslie! I really enjoyed the accents and the way he was able to differentiate Kit and Percy's voices. I think he does a terrific job with the different social classes, just by slight changes in his voice.

story leaves you with questions

I've enjoyed this author many times, but I have to say that this one seems incomplete. The story is good, the mystery around the plot is easy enough to figure out very quick. Following these two around was fun. But the end ruined it for me. Questions and information left just hanging around. Not a real conclusion or end to a story.
Of course the narrative was spot on and very well done.

Best Sebastian so far

Cat Sebastian’s books were good to begin with and keep getting better. Well written, funny, sweet (NOT in the invisible sex sense), twisty plot, and a happy ending. Excellent narration.