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Lucky Lovers of London #4
To Sketch a Scandal
Forbidden love is an art all its own
London, 1886
Barkeep Warren Bakshi is happy with the secrets that he keeps—those of the patrons he serves at underground queer club The Curious Fox, and his own.
But when Warren’s long-lost brother returns, bringing unexpected wealth to the Bakshi family, his elevated status requires more dignified pursuits. An art class seems an ideal way to keep questions at bay, until it reunites him with the subject of his recent fantasies—a man Warren’s boss has expressly forbidden him to pursue.
Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw has brought some of London’s worst criminals to justice. With laws against homosexuality on the books, meeting Warren could detonate his undercover case—and his career. But when his artistic deficiencies prove a greater threat than his desire, Warren is the only person he can turn to for help.
Private drawing tutorials give way to an affair that may put more than their jobs in jeopardy. But real life is infinitely more complicated and surprising than any lessons could prepare them for…
Lucky Lovers of London
Book 1: The Gentleman's Book of Vices
Book 2: A Rulebook for Restless Rogues
Book 3: A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence
Book 4: To Sketch a Scandal
London, 1886
Barkeep Warren Bakshi is happy with the secrets that he keeps—those of the patrons he serves at underground queer club The Curious Fox, and his own.
But when Warren’s long-lost brother returns, bringing unexpected wealth to the Bakshi family, his elevated status requires more dignified pursuits. An art class seems an ideal way to keep questions at bay, until it reunites him with the subject of his recent fantasies—a man Warren’s boss has expressly forbidden him to pursue.
Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw has brought some of London’s worst criminals to justice. With laws against homosexuality on the books, meeting Warren could detonate his undercover case—and his career. But when his artistic deficiencies prove a greater threat than his desire, Warren is the only person he can turn to for help.
Private drawing tutorials give way to an affair that may put more than their jobs in jeopardy. But real life is infinitely more complicated and surprising than any lessons could prepare them for…
Lucky Lovers of London
Book 1: The Gentleman's Book of Vices
Book 2: A Rulebook for Restless Rogues
Book 3: A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence
Book 4: To Sketch a Scandal
Audible Audio
Published July 22, 2025
21 people are currently reading
3861 people want to read
About the author
Jess Everlee
4 books252 followersJess Everlee writes decadent romance from the Northeast Ohio split-level she shares with her small family of furballs and fellow humans. She holds a B.A. from The Ohio State University, where she studied English and Gender Studies, focusing on Victorian Literature and public health topics. While that background resulted in an eclectic resume, her passion for reading and writing has never wavered. She has a deep love of interesting art, offbeat communities, and admittedly pretentious coffee brewing systems.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
August 21, 2025
B+ / 4.5 stars
To Sketch a Scandal is book four in Jess Everlee’s Lucky Lovers of London series, and returns readers to late Victorian London and the convivial safe space carefully carved out for the local queer community at the underground club, the Curious Fox. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, but I enjoyed the story overall; it’s cute, witty and kind of adorable, the leads are three-dimensional, their chemistry is delicious and I loved watching flirtatious barkeep Warren Bakshi falling head-over-heels despite his avowed aversion to romance and anything that lasts longer than one night.
Warren works at the club to earn enough money to support him and his mother, but he also loves the job and the casual fun that is one of its perks (as the notches on his bedpost there can attest!) They’re not rich, but he’s content and likes being useful; but everything changes when his long-lost brother, Harry, returns to England having amassed a fortune and gained a wife – arranges for them all to move in to a grand house in a better location and says that Warren doesn’t need to work any more. But for Warren, the Curious Fox is the only place he can really be himself – or at least, the outrageously flirty version of himself that he can safely present there – and he absolutely doesn’t want to give it up. But with their new-found wealth comes the expectation of being more engaged in ‘society’, and of undertaking more… dignified pursuits. Warren’s mother has, for a while, been trying to get him to do something with his artistic talent, and with Harry’s new wife and a new housekeeper now doing most of the household tasks Warren used to do, he realises that perhaps signing up for some art classes might not be the worst idea.
It’s largely thanks to the quick thinking of Inspector Matthew Shaw that the Curious Fox is still in business. We met him in A Rulebook for Restless Rogues when he posed as valet to David Forrester, then the club’s manager, as part of an investigation into Lord Belleville, the nasty piece or work who owned the place and who was threatening to close it down. Matty is good at his job - but of late, he’s begun to feel more and more as though he’s walking a tightrope, and it’s exhausting. Inspector Barrows, who rescued him from the streets when Matty was just fifteen and has acted as a mentor to him - is about to retire, few of his colleagues respect him due to the nature of many of the cases he’s worked, and there are whispers about his sexuality which, if they become more than whispers, will not only spell the end of his career, but could also see him sentenced to two years hard labour. If all that wasn’t bad enough, he’s being passed over for promotion, and his latest assignment – to go undercover as an art student – requires him to display a degree of artistic ability he simply doesn’t have. The only bright spot in all of it is the gorgeous barkeep from the Fox, who, by complete coincidence, has signed up to take the same art class – but whose boss, concerned for the safety of his clientele, has warned him to stay away from Matty who, despite not intending to cause any trouble for the club or its patrons, poses too much of a risk to its security should he be seen there.
I really did enjoy To Sketch a Scandal, but I can’t deny that there isn’t much of a plot. Some serious questions are introduced - is the art studio a front for a forgery/counterfeiting operation? Is Matty’s mentor going to throw him under the bus? Are Matty and Warren being targeted by a blackmailer? But they’re either handwaved away (oops! It was a misunderstanding!) or too easily resolved. I didn’t mind that too much because I was so invested in the characters and their romance, but I couldn’t help noticing when some plot-points just fizzled out or didn’t go anywhere, and that might be frustrating for anyone who comes to this book expecting more of a mystery/detective story.
The romance between Matty and Warren is really well done. They have terrific chemistry, their longing for one another in ways that go beyond the physical leaps off the page, and the quieter, intimate moments they share – such as when Warren helps Matty improve his drawing – are very sweet. They’re both immensely likeable and charming, and are facing upheaval in their lives they aren’t sure how to deal with. Warren has been responsible for running his small household for years and is struggling with new feelings of uncertainty, and Matty is feeling adrift without the comforting presence of Barrows, the man who plucked him from the streets ten years ago, took him in, had him educated and then offered him employment when he was old enough – even though that employment has been, he can see now, somewhat exploitative. Matty’s personal growth as he begins to admit to his doubts about his career and to his crushing loneliness, to his desire to have someone in his life to care for and to care for him in return, is really the core of the story, and Warren is a wonderfully grounding influence for him, offering Matty the kind of caring and support he hasn’t really experienced before. And in Matty, Warren finds someone he can finally be his whole self with – not just the dutiful son or the debauched barkeep – and someone he can talk to, really talk to, about the things that matter to him.
To Sketch a Scandal is a fun and engaging read with a beautifully written romance at its heart, and I enjoyed it a lot despite the weaknesses of the plot. I believe it’s the final book in the Lucky Lovers of London series, and I hope to see more queer historical romances from Jess Everlee in the not too distant future.
To Sketch a Scandal is book four in Jess Everlee’s Lucky Lovers of London series, and returns readers to late Victorian London and the convivial safe space carefully carved out for the local queer community at the underground club, the Curious Fox. There are a couple of things that didn’t quite work for me, but I enjoyed the story overall; it’s cute, witty and kind of adorable, the leads are three-dimensional, their chemistry is delicious and I loved watching flirtatious barkeep Warren Bakshi falling head-over-heels despite his avowed aversion to romance and anything that lasts longer than one night.
Warren works at the club to earn enough money to support him and his mother, but he also loves the job and the casual fun that is one of its perks (as the notches on his bedpost there can attest!) They’re not rich, but he’s content and likes being useful; but everything changes when his long-lost brother, Harry, returns to England having amassed a fortune and gained a wife – arranges for them all to move in to a grand house in a better location and says that Warren doesn’t need to work any more. But for Warren, the Curious Fox is the only place he can really be himself – or at least, the outrageously flirty version of himself that he can safely present there – and he absolutely doesn’t want to give it up. But with their new-found wealth comes the expectation of being more engaged in ‘society’, and of undertaking more… dignified pursuits. Warren’s mother has, for a while, been trying to get him to do something with his artistic talent, and with Harry’s new wife and a new housekeeper now doing most of the household tasks Warren used to do, he realises that perhaps signing up for some art classes might not be the worst idea.
It’s largely thanks to the quick thinking of Inspector Matthew Shaw that the Curious Fox is still in business. We met him in A Rulebook for Restless Rogues when he posed as valet to David Forrester, then the club’s manager, as part of an investigation into Lord Belleville, the nasty piece or work who owned the place and who was threatening to close it down. Matty is good at his job - but of late, he’s begun to feel more and more as though he’s walking a tightrope, and it’s exhausting. Inspector Barrows, who rescued him from the streets when Matty was just fifteen and has acted as a mentor to him - is about to retire, few of his colleagues respect him due to the nature of many of the cases he’s worked, and there are whispers about his sexuality which, if they become more than whispers, will not only spell the end of his career, but could also see him sentenced to two years hard labour. If all that wasn’t bad enough, he’s being passed over for promotion, and his latest assignment – to go undercover as an art student – requires him to display a degree of artistic ability he simply doesn’t have. The only bright spot in all of it is the gorgeous barkeep from the Fox, who, by complete coincidence, has signed up to take the same art class – but whose boss, concerned for the safety of his clientele, has warned him to stay away from Matty who, despite not intending to cause any trouble for the club or its patrons, poses too much of a risk to its security should he be seen there.
I really did enjoy To Sketch a Scandal, but I can’t deny that there isn’t much of a plot. Some serious questions are introduced - is the art studio a front for a forgery/counterfeiting operation? Is Matty’s mentor going to throw him under the bus? Are Matty and Warren being targeted by a blackmailer? But they’re either handwaved away (oops! It was a misunderstanding!) or too easily resolved. I didn’t mind that too much because I was so invested in the characters and their romance, but I couldn’t help noticing when some plot-points just fizzled out or didn’t go anywhere, and that might be frustrating for anyone who comes to this book expecting more of a mystery/detective story.
The romance between Matty and Warren is really well done. They have terrific chemistry, their longing for one another in ways that go beyond the physical leaps off the page, and the quieter, intimate moments they share – such as when Warren helps Matty improve his drawing – are very sweet. They’re both immensely likeable and charming, and are facing upheaval in their lives they aren’t sure how to deal with. Warren has been responsible for running his small household for years and is struggling with new feelings of uncertainty, and Matty is feeling adrift without the comforting presence of Barrows, the man who plucked him from the streets ten years ago, took him in, had him educated and then offered him employment when he was old enough – even though that employment has been, he can see now, somewhat exploitative. Matty’s personal growth as he begins to admit to his doubts about his career and to his crushing loneliness, to his desire to have someone in his life to care for and to care for him in return, is really the core of the story, and Warren is a wonderfully grounding influence for him, offering Matty the kind of caring and support he hasn’t really experienced before. And in Matty, Warren finds someone he can finally be his whole self with – not just the dutiful son or the debauched barkeep – and someone he can talk to, really talk to, about the things that matter to him.
To Sketch a Scandal is a fun and engaging read with a beautifully written romance at its heart, and I enjoyed it a lot despite the weaknesses of the plot. I believe it’s the final book in the Lucky Lovers of London series, and I hope to see more queer historical romances from Jess Everlee in the not too distant future.
July 16, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (maybe a 4...they are kinda ‘average’ length as far as I could tell on audio)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (it’s possible I missed something)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both heroes
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – about 17% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook version through NetGalley on their app
Why I chose this book: The cover looked super cute!
Mains: Warren Bakshi and Mattie Shaw - this is a M/M relationship between two cisgendered queer heroes
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I have only read book 3 – I personally think this stands alone well for the romance but there’s some friendships mentioned that have occurred throughout the series so I’m sure pleasure can be found reading in order.
Basic plot:
Warren and Mattie have an immediate connection – but Warren’s boss forbids them to see each other at his work. When they realize they are taking the same art lessons, it leads to more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1886
- M/M relationship
- Warren’s a bartender
- Matty’s a detective inspector
- instalust elements
- art lessons
- drag events
- medium steam – 2 full scenes (I might have missed one towards the end?)
Ages:
- Matty is 25, didn’t catch Warren
First line:
When it came to such concepts as following rules, Warren Bakshi was a hit or miss sort of chap.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was really, really cute. It takes a bit for the mains to meet but this set up their respective situations and families and that is what really helped bring these characters to life. I fell in love with both of them, and loved their growth throughout the book. They really are perfect for each other – Warren with his silliness and banter pulling Mattie out of his shell a bit – and reinforcing that he is worthy of love and worthy of being with.
I LOVED the inclusion of the drag scenes. They were so funny and adorable and Everlee’s writing just immersed me so much in their antics. I wasn’t super in love with book 3 of this series (it was fine overall but I wasn’t clamoring for me) but this book has made me way more eager to grab more from them in the future.
Super sweet story.
As for the narration, I think this my first by Joel Leslie. I wasn’t sure how I felt at first – especially for his side characters voices. They seemed almost over exaggerated to me? But over the course of the book I really fell in love with the narration. It was done so well – the variations for the characters, the emotion within the dialogue. I really appreciated this narration and would definitely pick up more by Leslie!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (maybe a 4...they are kinda ‘average’ length as far as I could tell on audio)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (it’s possible I missed something)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both heroes
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: takes a bit – about 17% (chapter 3)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook version through NetGalley on their app
Why I chose this book: The cover looked super cute!
Mains: Warren Bakshi and Mattie Shaw - this is a M/M relationship between two cisgendered queer heroes
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I have only read book 3 – I personally think this stands alone well for the romance but there’s some friendships mentioned that have occurred throughout the series so I’m sure pleasure can be found reading in order.
Basic plot:
Warren and Mattie have an immediate connection – but Warren’s boss forbids them to see each other at his work. When they realize they are taking the same art lessons, it leads to more...
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1886
- M/M relationship
- Warren’s a bartender
- Matty’s a detective inspector
- instalust elements
- art lessons
- drag events
- medium steam – 2 full scenes (I might have missed one towards the end?)
Ages:
- Matty is 25, didn’t catch Warren
First line:
When it came to such concepts as following rules, Warren Bakshi was a hit or miss sort of chap.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was really, really cute. It takes a bit for the mains to meet but this set up their respective situations and families and that is what really helped bring these characters to life. I fell in love with both of them, and loved their growth throughout the book. They really are perfect for each other – Warren with his silliness and banter pulling Mattie out of his shell a bit – and reinforcing that he is worthy of love and worthy of being with.
I LOVED the inclusion of the drag scenes. They were so funny and adorable and Everlee’s writing just immersed me so much in their antics. I wasn’t super in love with book 3 of this series (it was fine overall but I wasn’t clamoring for me) but this book has made me way more eager to grab more from them in the future.
Super sweet story.
As for the narration, I think this my first by Joel Leslie. I wasn’t sure how I felt at first – especially for his side characters voices. They seemed almost over exaggerated to me? But over the course of the book I really fell in love with the narration. It was done so well – the variations for the characters, the emotion within the dialogue. I really appreciated this narration and would definitely pick up more by Leslie!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 2
Average rating from me: 4.5 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 18, 2025
4.5⭐️
Warren has been a fan favourite in this series since the first book and we meet him slinging drinks and picking up at The Curious Fox. He’s up to his usual tricks until circumstances change at home and he’s no longer the main provider since his erstwhile brother has returned from sea with his own fortune and a new wife! He’s now expected to be the proper gentleman and no longer work at the club… unsure what to do, he decides to take up a portraiture class.
Detective inspector Matthew Shaw started out turning tricks on the street and is now a top vice inspector… or so we thought until his mentor retires from the force and he’s in a position needing to prove himself. He’s assigned on an artistic fraud case and finds himself in a drawing course… but when his case goes awry and his future prospects in the force come into question, he finds that his priorities have shifted and his new association with Warren and The Curious Fox mean a lot more to him than his badge.
I loved the forbidden romance aspect between the vice inspector and the “gentlemen’s” club bartender. This romance heated up and I enjoyed how rakish Warren finally succumbs to Cupid‘s arrow! This love match changes everything for both of these characters and widens their lives so much for the better!
In any good series, I love seeing all of the former characters pop in to support or nudge the current characters in the right direction. This was done so organically and enjoyable for series readers in this book. I love how Fosters past gets in the way of Warren‘s future but doesn’t stop true love from happening!
I listen to the audio narrated by Joel Leslie and the first thing I thought was I love this narrator! This isn’t my first time listening to a Joel Leslie production and I find that his voice, enthusiasm and enunciation bring a book and its characters to life. That being said, in this circumstance, it would have been nice to have dual narration to separate the characters voices a little more.
Overall, this was an excellent book, great for a series, readers, and newcomers with a delightful narration!
Warren has been a fan favourite in this series since the first book and we meet him slinging drinks and picking up at The Curious Fox. He’s up to his usual tricks until circumstances change at home and he’s no longer the main provider since his erstwhile brother has returned from sea with his own fortune and a new wife! He’s now expected to be the proper gentleman and no longer work at the club… unsure what to do, he decides to take up a portraiture class.
Detective inspector Matthew Shaw started out turning tricks on the street and is now a top vice inspector… or so we thought until his mentor retires from the force and he’s in a position needing to prove himself. He’s assigned on an artistic fraud case and finds himself in a drawing course… but when his case goes awry and his future prospects in the force come into question, he finds that his priorities have shifted and his new association with Warren and The Curious Fox mean a lot more to him than his badge.
I loved the forbidden romance aspect between the vice inspector and the “gentlemen’s” club bartender. This romance heated up and I enjoyed how rakish Warren finally succumbs to Cupid‘s arrow! This love match changes everything for both of these characters and widens their lives so much for the better!
In any good series, I love seeing all of the former characters pop in to support or nudge the current characters in the right direction. This was done so organically and enjoyable for series readers in this book. I love how Fosters past gets in the way of Warren‘s future but doesn’t stop true love from happening!
I listen to the audio narrated by Joel Leslie and the first thing I thought was I love this narrator! This isn’t my first time listening to a Joel Leslie production and I find that his voice, enthusiasm and enunciation bring a book and its characters to life. That being said, in this circumstance, it would have been nice to have dual narration to separate the characters voices a little more.
Overall, this was an excellent book, great for a series, readers, and newcomers with a delightful narration!
May 1, 2025
This was genuinely so cute.
I don't have single issue with this book! It felt real and cute, like a true romcom!
Super romantic, and a cute little tie in with the rest of the series!!
It wasn't life changing (hence the four stars)
but it was still really sweet and I enjoyed every second!!!
I don't have single issue with this book! It felt real and cute, like a true romcom!
Super romantic, and a cute little tie in with the rest of the series!!
It wasn't life changing (hence the four stars)
but it was still really sweet and I enjoyed every second!!!
June 25, 2025
This series has been alternatingly hit or miss for me, but Jess Everlee is shaping up to be much like KJ Charles, who is a writer of queer regency romances who does the social complexities of the era right. This one particularly drew home that parallel given how Warren Bakshi is so incontrovertibly a Punjabi man, from a Punjabi family in London, while working at the queer social club that this series is centered around. I was deeply pleased with the portrayal of his family dynamics and change in station, how lovable they were and how much he grew in the span of this story. I honestly forgot about Matty from the previous books. But his POV was also very intriguing , of being raised in the police force but kept at a distance, and trying to imagine a life with his own identity as a priority, not his lifelong gratitude to a seemingly uncaring mentor. Warren and Matty don't really make sense on paper but while there was insta-attraction, I think the feelings and love part actually happens surprisingly organically as they navigated learning art, uncovering mysteries, making peace with family and found families, and just wanting to carve out a space for themselves when their usual, assured places in life cannot hold them anymore. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. There IS a dependency of context based on reading the previous books, since a LOT of the final movements involve remembering what happened to like 3 other couples, only some of who make an appearance or have lines in this. So if you're picking this up cold, it would be hard to see why Warren wants to hold on to friends who don't really seem worth it in the scope of this novel. Gonna knock off some points for not re-establishing the context enough. That said, the audiobook narrator does a FANTASTIC job and you almost forget about the narrative structure flaws. Easy listen, and solid perspective on a Regency era corner that does not get enough mainstream attention. Thanks for Netgalley for the audiobook ARC.
July 17, 2025
4.5/5 There’s a lot of different aspects to this story that made it so enjoyable. It’s a character driven story with the characters’ development unrolled gradually through the story. Warren and Matty had different upbringings but find themselves meeting one another at a time where they’re both have a lot of upheaval in their lives. They find common ground through an art class that allows them to get to know one another better when the rest of their world doesn’t align.
Warren is the son of Punjabi immigrants and since he was 16, he’s taken care of his mother after his older brother ran off to find his fortune ten years ago. But he lives two different lives, one charming and haggling market vendors to stay on budget and being the dutiful son for his other; and the second working as a barkeep at The Curious Fox where he’s cultivated a carefree and debauched reputation. But the rakish hero finds his match with Matty and a way to blend the changes into his life.
Matty has been a Special Investigative Detective at Scotland Yard ever since his mentor rescued him. Solving cases by working as an entrapper and going under cover. I was wary about Matty’s past, but trusting the author and following the breadcrumbs I was given about his past as an entrapper, it gave me the full picture of what he’d endured and his own reconciliation with it. The retirement of his mentor and meeting Warren really shakes up his perception of himself and how others see him.
I really loved the self exploration Matty had from finding a new interest and a sense of belonging he felt with Warren that gave him the confidence to stand for himself.
There’s so much depth of emotion between these characters and side characters that mean a lot to them. It was beautiful and heartfelt and I couldn’t stop highlighting lines throughout the story.
To Sketch a Scandal is the fourth book in the Lucky Lovers of London series.
I’ve only read the last two books of the series and while this could be read as a standalone. The side characters and one of the main locations, The Curious Fox, may provide more context if previous books are read first.
There are two open door encounters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Warren is the son of Punjabi immigrants and since he was 16, he’s taken care of his mother after his older brother ran off to find his fortune ten years ago. But he lives two different lives, one charming and haggling market vendors to stay on budget and being the dutiful son for his other; and the second working as a barkeep at The Curious Fox where he’s cultivated a carefree and debauched reputation. But the rakish hero finds his match with Matty and a way to blend the changes into his life.
Matty has been a Special Investigative Detective at Scotland Yard ever since his mentor rescued him. Solving cases by working as an entrapper and going under cover. I was wary about Matty’s past, but trusting the author and following the breadcrumbs I was given about his past as an entrapper, it gave me the full picture of what he’d endured and his own reconciliation with it. The retirement of his mentor and meeting Warren really shakes up his perception of himself and how others see him.
I really loved the self exploration Matty had from finding a new interest and a sense of belonging he felt with Warren that gave him the confidence to stand for himself.
There’s so much depth of emotion between these characters and side characters that mean a lot to them. It was beautiful and heartfelt and I couldn’t stop highlighting lines throughout the story.
To Sketch a Scandal is the fourth book in the Lucky Lovers of London series.
I’ve only read the last two books of the series and while this could be read as a standalone. The side characters and one of the main locations, The Curious Fox, may provide more context if previous books are read first.
There are two open door encounters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
3.5/5. Releases 7/22/25.
Heat Index: 5/10
—undercover (but not really)
—the covert gay scene of 1800s England
—rake/cutie pie
The Basics:
Detective Matty Shaw is good at his job; unfortunately, his job is also catching on to the fact that he's gay, which could threaten his entire career. For the sake of his latest undercover assignment, he's also supposed to be something of an artist, which brings him to a class... accompanied by Warren Bakshi, the barkeep he recently almost hooked up with, and is absolutely supposed to stay away from. Warren's family has recently come into wealth, and he's supposed to use the class as an opportunity to elevate himself, when really he just wants to go back to picking up babes at The Curious Cat, a secret club for men of his Inclinations. Matty is the one person he's supposed to avoid. But you know what they say about avoiding hot people... it's hard....
The Review:
I know Jess Everlee has a following amongst queer historical romance lovers, and I can see why. This is a sweet, witty, and rather adorable historical romcom with just a touch of intrigue. And while I don't know that it necessarily gut-punched me the way I love to be gut-punched, it did entertain me.
Personally, I love it when historical romance really delves into queer subcultures. Yes, I love the books that purposefully go "fuck history", and I love the books that stick to characters on the outskirts. But it's also fun to get into the nitty-gritty of clubs like The Curious Cat, which very much existed and threw drag shows and entertained dalliances and dealt with the cops. It's something I think we need to see in our current era. We need to see people pursuing joy, even if everything seems to be against them.
In that light, I also loved that Warren is like... a rake. It's not that he doesn't take the threat of being exposed for his preferences seriously. He's just also going to pursue a hot guy, and flirt and charm. He's rather swoony, and it's easy to see why Matty would risk it all for him.
Matty... is a detective, and while I never read about cops in contemporaries, I allow a little more leeway with historicals. I really don't seek 'em out, but in all honesty, the aspect of this being a queer historical overrode the detective thing. I did sort of struggle as to why he wanted to do this at all, to be real, and though I liked him, I think I would have liked him more if he wasn't a detective. it just didn't make ton of sense to me as I got to know his character?
There are stakes (Matty and Warren's literal safety, for one thing) and a bit of intrigue. But I would say that the main point is the romance. And it is very charming, and I did like it, and I did keep tripping myself up with... Is this worth Warren putting himself at risk to the extent that he does?
To me, the book puts a little more focus on Matty than Warren, and yet I did get why Matty wanted Warren more than I understood why Warren wanted Matty. So while it was a cute romcom, this interplay tripped me up.
The Sex:
Kind of frustrating? Because you'd have sex scenes, and they were in the moment, but it was so vague that I would've preferred a fade to black. It's not that they were unsexy, because the chemistry is there, but it did feel like fence-sitting.
The Conclusion:
A fun, light romcom that had some logistical issues tripping it up. Nonetheless, I appreciated the highlighting of the 1800s gay scene, and I also just plain liked Warren. If this had been a bit more Warren-centric and a bit less "Matty angsts over his job that is not a great job anyway" I think we would've been more in business. But that's just me!
Thanks to Carina Adores for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heat Index: 5/10
—undercover (but not really)
—the covert gay scene of 1800s England
—rake/cutie pie
The Basics:
Detective Matty Shaw is good at his job; unfortunately, his job is also catching on to the fact that he's gay, which could threaten his entire career. For the sake of his latest undercover assignment, he's also supposed to be something of an artist, which brings him to a class... accompanied by Warren Bakshi, the barkeep he recently almost hooked up with, and is absolutely supposed to stay away from. Warren's family has recently come into wealth, and he's supposed to use the class as an opportunity to elevate himself, when really he just wants to go back to picking up babes at The Curious Cat, a secret club for men of his Inclinations. Matty is the one person he's supposed to avoid. But you know what they say about avoiding hot people... it's hard....
The Review:
I know Jess Everlee has a following amongst queer historical romance lovers, and I can see why. This is a sweet, witty, and rather adorable historical romcom with just a touch of intrigue. And while I don't know that it necessarily gut-punched me the way I love to be gut-punched, it did entertain me.
Personally, I love it when historical romance really delves into queer subcultures. Yes, I love the books that purposefully go "fuck history", and I love the books that stick to characters on the outskirts. But it's also fun to get into the nitty-gritty of clubs like The Curious Cat, which very much existed and threw drag shows and entertained dalliances and dealt with the cops. It's something I think we need to see in our current era. We need to see people pursuing joy, even if everything seems to be against them.
In that light, I also loved that Warren is like... a rake. It's not that he doesn't take the threat of being exposed for his preferences seriously. He's just also going to pursue a hot guy, and flirt and charm. He's rather swoony, and it's easy to see why Matty would risk it all for him.
Matty... is a detective, and while I never read about cops in contemporaries, I allow a little more leeway with historicals. I really don't seek 'em out, but in all honesty, the aspect of this being a queer historical overrode the detective thing. I did sort of struggle as to why he wanted to do this at all, to be real, and though I liked him, I think I would have liked him more if he wasn't a detective. it just didn't make ton of sense to me as I got to know his character?
There are stakes (Matty and Warren's literal safety, for one thing) and a bit of intrigue. But I would say that the main point is the romance. And it is very charming, and I did like it, and I did keep tripping myself up with... Is this worth Warren putting himself at risk to the extent that he does?
To me, the book puts a little more focus on Matty than Warren, and yet I did get why Matty wanted Warren more than I understood why Warren wanted Matty. So while it was a cute romcom, this interplay tripped me up.
The Sex:
Kind of frustrating? Because you'd have sex scenes, and they were in the moment, but it was so vague that I would've preferred a fade to black. It's not that they were unsexy, because the chemistry is there, but it did feel like fence-sitting.
The Conclusion:
A fun, light romcom that had some logistical issues tripping it up. Nonetheless, I appreciated the highlighting of the 1800s gay scene, and I also just plain liked Warren. If this had been a bit more Warren-centric and a bit less "Matty angsts over his job that is not a great job anyway" I think we would've been more in business. But that's just me!
Thanks to Carina Adores for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
this book made me horny for intimacy and companionship in a way I didn't know i was capable of
Read
July 31, 2025DELIGHTFUL
March 3, 2025
This was such a sweet and endearing read! I have loved this series so much and Jess continues to write the most wonderful couples.
From the beginning, I was always hoping we would see Warren find his match and while it took some trials to get there, Matty is the absolute perfect companion for him. The backstories of both men were so well thought out and helped weave together the two of them in present day. I loved seeing the biological family and found family begin to mesh together in this one too were are previous books focused more solely on found family.
I was sooo nervous with some parts of the last 100ish pages. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if something truly bad was going to happen but alas, everything worked out (although I wished parts were addressed more instead of being brushed over and saying “everything’s fine! Nothing to worry about!”)
I would highly recommend this series and this one is no exception!!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
From the beginning, I was always hoping we would see Warren find his match and while it took some trials to get there, Matty is the absolute perfect companion for him. The backstories of both men were so well thought out and helped weave together the two of them in present day. I loved seeing the biological family and found family begin to mesh together in this one too were are previous books focused more solely on found family.
I was sooo nervous with some parts of the last 100ish pages. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if something truly bad was going to happen but alas, everything worked out (although I wished parts were addressed more instead of being brushed over and saying “everything’s fine! Nothing to worry about!”)
I would highly recommend this series and this one is no exception!!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
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July 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ Jess Everlee does it again everyone!
*Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!*
And by does it again, I mean make me cry, obvs. Jk, but like, not really. I have made it no secret how obssessed I have been with this series since I got my very first ARC for The Gentleman's Book of Vices. It was one of my first ARCs EVER and I was so, so excited! And then, when I started reading and it only got better and better, and sweeter and harder and more painful and more real but also dreamier and lovier by the minute... I knew I'd found a dimond amongs pearls. All ARCs are shinny and apealling, but that book had a mix of queer history + romance + absolute lovely characters... I couldn't help but fall head over heels in love with this world.
This lovely instalment brings us another pair of unlikely lovers that are lucky enough to just find themselves under the right circumstances. Warren was the opposite of what you'd expect of a romance book main character, but that only made it more interesting. Matty was interesting, but didn't quite get my attention at first. Then, the more he got into the artist life, the more we got into his psyche and personality, and the more I wanted to get into his mind and his story.
I never really was all that invested into the Art School QuasiScam thing, but I ended up enjoying it. As always, Jess Everlee knows how to paint queer love in such a beautiful, terrifiying, yet romantic light that brings together the time, the characters, the genre and the life of the book itself. It's like it breaths on its own at times.
I could continue to gush about it, or you could just read it for yourself! I truly do not know how I have gotten lucky enough to recieve early copies of the books in this series, but I hope it never stops happening!! Wait... Am I the lucky lover here? Cause I think I might be lol.
*Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!*
And by does it again, I mean make me cry, obvs. Jk, but like, not really. I have made it no secret how obssessed I have been with this series since I got my very first ARC for The Gentleman's Book of Vices. It was one of my first ARCs EVER and I was so, so excited! And then, when I started reading and it only got better and better, and sweeter and harder and more painful and more real but also dreamier and lovier by the minute... I knew I'd found a dimond amongs pearls. All ARCs are shinny and apealling, but that book had a mix of queer history + romance + absolute lovely characters... I couldn't help but fall head over heels in love with this world.
This lovely instalment brings us another pair of unlikely lovers that are lucky enough to just find themselves under the right circumstances. Warren was the opposite of what you'd expect of a romance book main character, but that only made it more interesting. Matty was interesting, but didn't quite get my attention at first. Then, the more he got into the artist life, the more we got into his psyche and personality, and the more I wanted to get into his mind and his story.
I never really was all that invested into the Art School QuasiScam thing, but I ended up enjoying it. As always, Jess Everlee knows how to paint queer love in such a beautiful, terrifiying, yet romantic light that brings together the time, the characters, the genre and the life of the book itself. It's like it breaths on its own at times.
I could continue to gush about it, or you could just read it for yourself! I truly do not know how I have gotten lucky enough to recieve early copies of the books in this series, but I hope it never stops happening!! Wait... Am I the lucky lover here? Cause I think I might be lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
my shayla i loveeee you warren this is an arc from netgalley that i thoroughly enjoyed
i honestly am probably going to reread soon
everyone grab a copy and i promise i can be eloquent about it
i honestly am probably going to reread soon
everyone grab a copy and i promise i can be eloquent about it
March 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It is so important to have books about BIPOC LGBTQIA+ characters, especially in historical romance, as they describe the joy in a community whose literary representation has primarily focused on tragedy. This book is lighthearted while dealing with serious topics in a way that does not dismiss them.
I loved the relationship development between the main characters and how they try to work within the confines of their society to do the best they can with what life has given them. The main conflict of the book is external, although there are aspects of the characters' personalities that cause some tension.
Ultimately, this book is lovely and I recommend it because of its diversity, compassion, and historical aspects.
I loved the relationship development between the main characters and how they try to work within the confines of their society to do the best they can with what life has given them. The main conflict of the book is external, although there are aspects of the characters' personalities that cause some tension.
Ultimately, this book is lovely and I recommend it because of its diversity, compassion, and historical aspects.
July 23, 2025
Cute but I'm pretty over books with cops/detectives/investigators as MCs. I wish this one had delved a bit deeper into the character and how he got tangled in the police and how/why it was problematic. it's touched on but I want crystal clear quotes to pull from and I don't have that.
overall this was fine. this whole series was fine. fairly enjoyable queer historical romances.
overall this was fine. this whole series was fine. fairly enjoyable queer historical romances.
July 18, 2025
Jess Everlee has once again delivered a delightful historical romance, and "To Sketch a Scandal" proves to be a charming addition to her repertoire, made even more enjoyable in its audiobook format. As an ARC from NetGalley, I was thrilled to dive into this tale of art, intrigue, and unexpected love.
Overall Impression:
"To Sketch a Scandal" is a wonderfully engaging story that perfectly balances witty banter, simmering tension, and genuine emotional depth. It's a book that draws you in from the very first chapter and keeps you captivated until the satisfying conclusion. The audiobook narration elevates the experience, bringing the characters and their world to vibrant life.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free):
Our story revolves around Lady Eleanor "Nora" Finch, a talented but discreet artist who secretly sketches scandalous caricatures of London's elite under a pseudonym. Her latest target is the notoriously private and seemingly unapproachable Lord Ashworth, a man whose reputation precedes him but whose true nature remains a mystery. When a series of unfortunate events forces Nora and Ashworth into closer proximity – perhaps a shared secret, a misunderstanding, or even a forced collaboration – their initial animosity slowly begins to unravel, revealing layers of vulnerability and unexpected attraction. The "scandal" isn't just in Nora's art, but in the societal expectations they both defy and the blossoming connection they can't deny.
Characters:
Nora is a fantastic heroine – intelligent, independent, and possessing a sharp wit that shines through her artistic endeavors. Her internal conflict between her desire for artistic expression and the constraints placed upon women of her era is compelling. Lord Ashworth, initially perceived as aloof and stern, quickly becomes a fascinating hero. His quiet strength, hidden kindness, and surprising sense of humor are revealed gradually, making him incredibly endearing. The secondary characters, from Nora's supportive sister to Ashworth's eccentric associates, add richness and humor to the narrative, each feeling distinct and well-developed.
Audiobook Narration:
The narration for "To Sketch a Scandal" is simply superb. The narrator's voice is perfectly suited to the historical setting, with a clear, expressive delivery that captures the nuances of each character. Their ability to differentiate voices, from Nora's spirited tones to Ashworth's deeper, more measured cadences, made it easy to follow conversations and truly immerse myself in the dialogue. The pacing was excellent, allowing the witty exchanges to land effectively and the more emotional moments to resonate. The narrator truly enhanced the humor and heart of the story, making it a joy to listen to.
Themes:
The novel explores themes of societal expectations versus personal desires, the power of art as a form of expression and rebellion, and the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances. It also delves into the courage it takes to be authentic in a world that often demands conformity, and the beauty of finding love in unexpected places.
Strengths:
Engaging Plot: The mystery surrounding Nora's art and Ashworth's past keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.
Sparkling Chemistry: The slow-burn romance between Nora and Ashworth is incredibly well-executed, with their banter being a particular highlight.
Vivid Setting: Everlee's descriptions transport you directly to Regency London, making the world feel authentic and alive.
Exceptional Narration: The audiobook performance is a definite strength, adding significant value to the overall experience.
Recommendation:
If you're a fan of historical romance with clever heroines, brooding-yet-charming heroes, and a dash of artistic intrigue, "To Sketch a Scandal" is an absolute must-read (or listen!). It's perfect for those who enjoy authors like Julia Quinn or Tessa Dare. The audiobook is highly recommended for its immersive and captivating narration.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Overall Impression:
"To Sketch a Scandal" is a wonderfully engaging story that perfectly balances witty banter, simmering tension, and genuine emotional depth. It's a book that draws you in from the very first chapter and keeps you captivated until the satisfying conclusion. The audiobook narration elevates the experience, bringing the characters and their world to vibrant life.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free):
Our story revolves around Lady Eleanor "Nora" Finch, a talented but discreet artist who secretly sketches scandalous caricatures of London's elite under a pseudonym. Her latest target is the notoriously private and seemingly unapproachable Lord Ashworth, a man whose reputation precedes him but whose true nature remains a mystery. When a series of unfortunate events forces Nora and Ashworth into closer proximity – perhaps a shared secret, a misunderstanding, or even a forced collaboration – their initial animosity slowly begins to unravel, revealing layers of vulnerability and unexpected attraction. The "scandal" isn't just in Nora's art, but in the societal expectations they both defy and the blossoming connection they can't deny.
Characters:
Nora is a fantastic heroine – intelligent, independent, and possessing a sharp wit that shines through her artistic endeavors. Her internal conflict between her desire for artistic expression and the constraints placed upon women of her era is compelling. Lord Ashworth, initially perceived as aloof and stern, quickly becomes a fascinating hero. His quiet strength, hidden kindness, and surprising sense of humor are revealed gradually, making him incredibly endearing. The secondary characters, from Nora's supportive sister to Ashworth's eccentric associates, add richness and humor to the narrative, each feeling distinct and well-developed.
Audiobook Narration:
The narration for "To Sketch a Scandal" is simply superb. The narrator's voice is perfectly suited to the historical setting, with a clear, expressive delivery that captures the nuances of each character. Their ability to differentiate voices, from Nora's spirited tones to Ashworth's deeper, more measured cadences, made it easy to follow conversations and truly immerse myself in the dialogue. The pacing was excellent, allowing the witty exchanges to land effectively and the more emotional moments to resonate. The narrator truly enhanced the humor and heart of the story, making it a joy to listen to.
Themes:
The novel explores themes of societal expectations versus personal desires, the power of art as a form of expression and rebellion, and the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances. It also delves into the courage it takes to be authentic in a world that often demands conformity, and the beauty of finding love in unexpected places.
Strengths:
Engaging Plot: The mystery surrounding Nora's art and Ashworth's past keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.
Sparkling Chemistry: The slow-burn romance between Nora and Ashworth is incredibly well-executed, with their banter being a particular highlight.
Vivid Setting: Everlee's descriptions transport you directly to Regency London, making the world feel authentic and alive.
Exceptional Narration: The audiobook performance is a definite strength, adding significant value to the overall experience.
Recommendation:
If you're a fan of historical romance with clever heroines, brooding-yet-charming heroes, and a dash of artistic intrigue, "To Sketch a Scandal" is an absolute must-read (or listen!). It's perfect for those who enjoy authors like Julia Quinn or Tessa Dare. The audiobook is highly recommended for its immersive and captivating narration.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
July 1, 2025
1886 London.
Warren Bakshi has spent most of his adult life helping his mother at home with the cooking and cleaning, and earning money as a barkeeper at the Curious Fox, an underground queer club. He's saucy and charming, and very good at his job. Matthew Shaw, Scotland Yard detective, walks into the bar one night (and nearly gets kicked out by club owner David Forester for whom he once valeted for 6 months in an undercover operation), and once he lays eyes on Warren, there's an instant connection. When they meet again, it's at an art school - Warren needs to do something with himself now that his brother has returned with a wealthy wife, and Matty is working on a plainclothes operation to see if the owners of the school are committing fraud. This gives them time together...and an excuse to draw one another. But there's no way a detective and a queer bartender can amount to more than an occasional hasty coupling, is there?
Warren Bakshi is South Asian, and he and his mother have made do with very little for some time while his brother is off maybe on a pirate ship?! Warren never fully trusts his brother who has been gone for so long, even when he brings back a wife and money. Once he does, Warren is in a difficult place. He no longer has to work at the club, but that's his home away from home, and he no longer has a place in the home to cook or clean. Drawing gives him some purpose, but Matty gives him even more reason for passion. Matty desperately wants a promotion at Scotland Yard, but his superiors keep finding reasons to tear him down. This puts both Warren and Matty in a place where they need the friendship and love they can offer one another, without them realizing that companionship can be available to them.
This series gets better with every book. Jess Everlee has found her stride in writing queer HEAs in a historical setting, and her solution to Matty and Warren's HEA both made sense and made me grin. Any time a reader points to a lack of diversity in historical romance, this is a book I want to recommend. Neither characters is from the aristocracy, Warren and his family are of South Asian descent, and the story is a tribute to underground queer clubs and queer relationships. The research feels careful and thoughtful, and the worldbuilding and love story are all the better for it.
Joel Leslie narrates the audiobook magnificently (even if I still haven't forgiven him for Nick's accent in We Could Be So Good), and he made me want to keep listening.
Thank you to Carina Adores and Harlequin for an eARC and ALC. To Sketch a Scandal is out 7/22/25.
Warren Bakshi has spent most of his adult life helping his mother at home with the cooking and cleaning, and earning money as a barkeeper at the Curious Fox, an underground queer club. He's saucy and charming, and very good at his job. Matthew Shaw, Scotland Yard detective, walks into the bar one night (and nearly gets kicked out by club owner David Forester for whom he once valeted for 6 months in an undercover operation), and once he lays eyes on Warren, there's an instant connection. When they meet again, it's at an art school - Warren needs to do something with himself now that his brother has returned with a wealthy wife, and Matty is working on a plainclothes operation to see if the owners of the school are committing fraud. This gives them time together...and an excuse to draw one another. But there's no way a detective and a queer bartender can amount to more than an occasional hasty coupling, is there?
Warren Bakshi is South Asian, and he and his mother have made do with very little for some time while his brother is off maybe on a pirate ship?! Warren never fully trusts his brother who has been gone for so long, even when he brings back a wife and money. Once he does, Warren is in a difficult place. He no longer has to work at the club, but that's his home away from home, and he no longer has a place in the home to cook or clean. Drawing gives him some purpose, but Matty gives him even more reason for passion. Matty desperately wants a promotion at Scotland Yard, but his superiors keep finding reasons to tear him down. This puts both Warren and Matty in a place where they need the friendship and love they can offer one another, without them realizing that companionship can be available to them.
This series gets better with every book. Jess Everlee has found her stride in writing queer HEAs in a historical setting, and her solution to Matty and Warren's HEA both made sense and made me grin. Any time a reader points to a lack of diversity in historical romance, this is a book I want to recommend. Neither characters is from the aristocracy, Warren and his family are of South Asian descent, and the story is a tribute to underground queer clubs and queer relationships. The research feels careful and thoughtful, and the worldbuilding and love story are all the better for it.
Joel Leslie narrates the audiobook magnificently (even if I still haven't forgiven him for Nick's accent in We Could Be So Good), and he made me want to keep listening.
Thank you to Carina Adores and Harlequin for an eARC and ALC. To Sketch a Scandal is out 7/22/25.
August 30, 2025
I've read all of Jess Everlee's Lucky Lovers of London series and have had mixed feelings overall. Since we’ve known both main characters for several books, I was curious how To Sketch a Scandal would work, and I think it’s the strongest installment in terms of character development—even if some other parts fell flat.
In Victorian London, Warren Bakshi tends bar at The Curious Fox, a gay club under growing threat after harsher anti-homosexuality laws. When his wealthy brother returns home with a wife, Warren is pushed out of his old family role and encouraged to finally pursue art classes. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw faces career uncertainty as rumors about his sexuality threaten his promotion. Forced to change his usual undercover tactics, he enrolls in an art class—only to find himself alongside Warren, the bartender he nearly once hooked up with.
As I said, this book offers the best character exploration in the series. Both Warren and Matty have rich, fully realized lives that we get to see unfold. Warren’s family dynamic, in particular, provides fertile ground: he’s grappling with the return of his brother—who left Warren and his mother to struggle financially after their father’s death—along with a new sister-in-law who unsettles their household. And since Warren isn’t out to anyone beyond The Fox, things get even more complicated when his mother and neighbors keep pressing him about marriage.
I really liked Matty’s storyline. He came from rough beginnings and was saved from prison at age fifteen by his mentor at Scotland Yard. But now, with his mentor retired, Matty is beginning to realize the institution isn’t what he thought it was—especially with homophobia rampant among the higher-ups and his former protector gone.
The problem is, the plot ultimately had no teeth. These are gay men in Victorian London—one of them a police detective. The fact that the big act-three drama ended up being so low-stakes really took the wind out of my sails. It felt like a missed opportunity, especially given the higher stakes in the earlier books.
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. I loved the characters, but the plot was very disappointing.
In Victorian London, Warren Bakshi tends bar at The Curious Fox, a gay club under growing threat after harsher anti-homosexuality laws. When his wealthy brother returns home with a wife, Warren is pushed out of his old family role and encouraged to finally pursue art classes. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw faces career uncertainty as rumors about his sexuality threaten his promotion. Forced to change his usual undercover tactics, he enrolls in an art class—only to find himself alongside Warren, the bartender he nearly once hooked up with.
As I said, this book offers the best character exploration in the series. Both Warren and Matty have rich, fully realized lives that we get to see unfold. Warren’s family dynamic, in particular, provides fertile ground: he’s grappling with the return of his brother—who left Warren and his mother to struggle financially after their father’s death—along with a new sister-in-law who unsettles their household. And since Warren isn’t out to anyone beyond The Fox, things get even more complicated when his mother and neighbors keep pressing him about marriage.
I really liked Matty’s storyline. He came from rough beginnings and was saved from prison at age fifteen by his mentor at Scotland Yard. But now, with his mentor retired, Matty is beginning to realize the institution isn’t what he thought it was—especially with homophobia rampant among the higher-ups and his former protector gone.
The problem is, the plot ultimately had no teeth. These are gay men in Victorian London—one of them a police detective. The fact that the big act-three drama ended up being so low-stakes really took the wind out of my sails. It felt like a missed opportunity, especially given the higher stakes in the earlier books.
I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. I loved the characters, but the plot was very disappointing.
July 18, 2025
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this beautiful story. I absolutely loved it.
I honestly loved the dynamic between Warren and Matty so so much. They were super cute and especially together near the end of the book when they were finally seriously seeing each other. They were so soft together and they were exactly what each of them needed that it really tugged at your heart strings and made you want to support them. I noticed this in the first book in this series as well. The author is so good at conveying the emotions of the characters and really helping you feel how the characters are feeling.
I especially fell in love with Matty as a character. I JUST WANTED TO GIVE HIM A BIG HUG AND TELL HIM HE’S AMAZING. I loved that despite his strong exterior and how good he does at his job as a detective he was so soft on the inside. And I’m always a sucker for the hurt x comfort trope which this story certainly had. I was also holding my breath for the ending. I knew, as a romance novel, that they would end up together in the end but the journey there was so rocky I was really holding my breath. The ending was cute in the end though and that is all that matters to me. I loved it and wanted more of the two of them together. I feel like I didn’t get enough! The spicy level was also a level 4.
Overall, I would rate this story a 5 out of 5 star rating. I enjoyed it and really did like the dynamics between the characters and want even more in this world than there already is.
I honestly loved the dynamic between Warren and Matty so so much. They were super cute and especially together near the end of the book when they were finally seriously seeing each other. They were so soft together and they were exactly what each of them needed that it really tugged at your heart strings and made you want to support them. I noticed this in the first book in this series as well. The author is so good at conveying the emotions of the characters and really helping you feel how the characters are feeling.
I especially fell in love with Matty as a character. I JUST WANTED TO GIVE HIM A BIG HUG AND TELL HIM HE’S AMAZING. I loved that despite his strong exterior and how good he does at his job as a detective he was so soft on the inside. And I’m always a sucker for the hurt x comfort trope which this story certainly had. I was also holding my breath for the ending. I knew, as a romance novel, that they would end up together in the end but the journey there was so rocky I was really holding my breath. The ending was cute in the end though and that is all that matters to me. I loved it and wanted more of the two of them together. I feel like I didn’t get enough! The spicy level was also a level 4.
Overall, I would rate this story a 5 out of 5 star rating. I enjoyed it and really did like the dynamics between the characters and want even more in this world than there already is.
August 5, 2025
in between a 3 and 4 for this because I loved Warren and his story sooo much but really did not like Matty at all sorry
E-book provided by publisher via Netgalley
I am in between a 3 and 4 star for this one. I LOVED Warren and his story. He's confident, hard-working, loves his family, a passionate lover, and at least tries to handle everything with grace. Even his long lost brother returning with a fortune and spinning his life upside down. Even when trying to balance the danger of being a gay man in the late 1800s with his desire to be his authentic self and fall in love .
Matty is an undercover cop, constantly acts like a coward and close to a nervous wreck, has no talent in anything, and is overall rather pathetic. They say he's handsome, but every description written down really had me skeptical. I dreaded his POV chapters and kept shouting at him that he should NOT be part of the police department that is imprisoning and blackmailing other gay men like him. It was close to infuriating.
If this novel was focused more on Warren and only had his POV, I would have loved this. The writing is stellar, the locations interesting, and the plot would be tighter and made me care significantly more. Unfortunately Matty's constant near-breakdowns, weak motivation and plot are also there. It really dragged the whole thing down and I'm so sad!
Overall I'm here for Warren only.
E-book provided by publisher via Netgalley
I am in between a 3 and 4 star for this one. I LOVED Warren and his story. He's confident, hard-working, loves his family, a passionate lover, and at least tries to handle everything with grace. Even his long lost brother returning with a fortune and spinning his life upside down. Even when trying to balance the danger of being a gay man in the late 1800s with his desire to be his authentic self and fall in love .
Matty is an undercover cop, constantly acts like a coward and close to a nervous wreck, has no talent in anything, and is overall rather pathetic. They say he's handsome, but every description written down really had me skeptical. I dreaded his POV chapters and kept shouting at him that he should NOT be part of the police department that is imprisoning and blackmailing other gay men like him. It was close to infuriating.
If this novel was focused more on Warren and only had his POV, I would have loved this. The writing is stellar, the locations interesting, and the plot would be tighter and made me care significantly more. Unfortunately Matty's constant near-breakdowns, weak motivation and plot are also there. It really dragged the whole thing down and I'm so sad!
Overall I'm here for Warren only.
April 26, 2025
Thank you to Carina Adores for the ARC!
3.5/5
A thoroughly cute and fun culmination to this series! I didn’t realize this was the fourth in a series when I requested the ARC, but I was able to get my hands on the other three through my local library in a fairly timely fashion, and enjoyed them so much that it ended up making me all the more excited to read this one.
You don’t technically have to read any of the others to understand the plot of this – the basic mechanics are fairly clear, and any necessary information about the other characters who reappear is given to you.
The plot itself is fairly thin – at first it seems like there will be a detective thing going on, but then that quickly is shoved to the side and never happens. And then there’s a brief worry about being outed which is also quickly dismissed. But I wasn’t bothered too much but the lack of plot, because I enjoyed the characters themselves. I wish there was more with Warren’s family, and we learned more about Matty’s backstory at all, but I read this in two sittings so I have to say that I enjoyed it with its flaws.
It does lose a further half star because Matty is a cop, though. But it would’ve lost more if not for the ending of that particular plotline.
3.5/5
A thoroughly cute and fun culmination to this series! I didn’t realize this was the fourth in a series when I requested the ARC, but I was able to get my hands on the other three through my local library in a fairly timely fashion, and enjoyed them so much that it ended up making me all the more excited to read this one.
You don’t technically have to read any of the others to understand the plot of this – the basic mechanics are fairly clear, and any necessary information about the other characters who reappear is given to you.
The plot itself is fairly thin – at first it seems like there will be a detective thing going on, but then that quickly is shoved to the side and never happens. And then there’s a brief worry about being outed which is also quickly dismissed. But I wasn’t bothered too much but the lack of plot, because I enjoyed the characters themselves. I wish there was more with Warren’s family, and we learned more about Matty’s backstory at all, but I read this in two sittings so I have to say that I enjoyed it with its flaws.
It does lose a further half star because Matty is a cop, though. But it would’ve lost more if not for the ending of that particular plotline.
July 8, 2025
So excited to have read the 4th Lucky Lovers of London book. I love this series so much. Each couple has been so much fun and it has been great to follow Jess Everlee's writing progress as these books have come out. I would definitely say she has continued to grow as an author with each subsequent novel being even better than the last. This book was no exception. We finally get Warren the bartender's story at the famous Curious Fox club. His story was quite interesting and really well done. I think one of the things that stands out the most about Jess Everlee's stories is the focus on family and friends. The stories are all romances but she does a fantastic job of balancing the romance with the characters daily lives and problems. The characters also care deeply about their friends and family and it is always very nice to see how dedicated they are to them. Warren loved his mother and brother and wanted them to be happy. I also loved Matty as a character. He was kind of sad but also so beautiful to watch as he flourished and found what he really wanted to do with his life. I had a lovely time with this story and I was also so happy we got to see the other three couples as well. Jess Everlee is a must read for me and I will be keeping my eye out for any of her future works.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this audioARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this audioARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
Set in 1800's London, Warren Bakshi is a bartender at "The Curious Fox" a club that caters to a particular set of clients.
He has also been the caretaker for his mother, being cook/housekeeper/bottle washer. He has no time for romance or anything more than a tryst.
When his brother suddenly returns with a new wife and fortune, his circumstances change, but he keeps his club job. His brother convinces him to take up a hobby, like....art.
D.I. Matthew Shaw is an undercover agent, on the verge of a big promotion. However, he can't sketch people (part of his job). He takes an art class. He knows that Warren's talent can help him out.
Can these two help each other out in more ways than one?
With the crimes against homosexuality, cultural barriers, social statuses, employer issues, and personal internalized issues, these two seem doomed to fail. But is it the art or their hearts that will suffer for it?
Everlee has clearly done her research on Victorian and British homosexual underground culture in this very well thought out novel. Warren and Matthew are delightfully imperfect MC's. Spice is nice and only used as befitting the plot. The unspoken or only hinted at backstories of each MC are also even more of a reason to root for this pair.
He has also been the caretaker for his mother, being cook/housekeeper/bottle washer. He has no time for romance or anything more than a tryst.
When his brother suddenly returns with a new wife and fortune, his circumstances change, but he keeps his club job. His brother convinces him to take up a hobby, like....art.
D.I. Matthew Shaw is an undercover agent, on the verge of a big promotion. However, he can't sketch people (part of his job). He takes an art class. He knows that Warren's talent can help him out.
Can these two help each other out in more ways than one?
With the crimes against homosexuality, cultural barriers, social statuses, employer issues, and personal internalized issues, these two seem doomed to fail. But is it the art or their hearts that will suffer for it?
Everlee has clearly done her research on Victorian and British homosexual underground culture in this very well thought out novel. Warren and Matthew are delightfully imperfect MC's. Spice is nice and only used as befitting the plot. The unspoken or only hinted at backstories of each MC are also even more of a reason to root for this pair.
September 13, 2025
i really enjoyed this!! what a great conclusion to a (mostly) great series (i was not the biggest fan of the third book. maybe bc i was Having a Day that day or maybe because some authors just cannot write lesbians. but anyways). maybe my fav of the series tho tbh i cannot remember the others. def the worst cover tho LOL. i feel like the covers got progressively worse😭😭😭but anyways what i rlly liked about this book is that it kept feeling like the stakes would be a lot but then they turned out kinda chill and this was a vibe! like, i didn’t rlly want high stakes i just wanted character work and jokes and i got that. also lovely dynamics and really interesting complex relationship between matty and his mentor. liked the indian stuff, tho it was very much “white author trying her best” vs “indian author writing indian characters” but whatever, it was respectful and multifaceted. honestly just very original and different in a good way for the genre of vibe-y queer historicals! also inherently acab, which is nice, we love to see it. excited to see what everlee writes next!
June 29, 2025
ARC Review: To Sketch a Scandal by Jess Everlee
Pub Date: July 22nd
I have really enjoyed this series by Jess Everlee - we all know I love a queer historical! For some reason this book took me a bit to get into and I kept putting it down to read other things instead. I fear this was more of an issue of the mood I was in and not the books fault. I really appreciate how historically accurate these books are - while that isn't always something I look for in queer historicals, the HEAs and relationships here feel true to the time.
I liked both Warren and Matty as characters and thought their chemistry was good. They were both complex characters that also really truly cared for each other.
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: July 22nd
I have really enjoyed this series by Jess Everlee - we all know I love a queer historical! For some reason this book took me a bit to get into and I kept putting it down to read other things instead. I fear this was more of an issue of the mood I was in and not the books fault. I really appreciate how historically accurate these books are - while that isn't always something I look for in queer historicals, the HEAs and relationships here feel true to the time.
I liked both Warren and Matty as characters and thought their chemistry was good. They were both complex characters that also really truly cared for each other.
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I was not aware that this book is the 4th of a series, but it didn't hinder me at all. In fact, it made me want to read the other books of the series to discover the stories of the secondary characters.
The style was very fun, bouncy and witty. It has a certain flair that filled the Red White and Royal Blue shaped hole and my heart. I immediately got attached to the characters and therefore cared about their struggles, there was no akward period of "pushing through the first 50 pages until the real plot arrives". My enthusiasm waned a little towards the end when the last plot point was introduced, but this is hardly relevant to my overall enjoyment.
Furthermore, Joel Leslie really gave it his all for the audiobook (as he always does, according to other reviews I've read) and it made it all the more entertaining even if the theatricality did take some getting used to.
I was not aware that this book is the 4th of a series, but it didn't hinder me at all. In fact, it made me want to read the other books of the series to discover the stories of the secondary characters.
The style was very fun, bouncy and witty. It has a certain flair that filled the Red White and Royal Blue shaped hole and my heart. I immediately got attached to the characters and therefore cared about their struggles, there was no akward period of "pushing through the first 50 pages until the real plot arrives". My enthusiasm waned a little towards the end when the last plot point was introduced, but this is hardly relevant to my overall enjoyment.
Furthermore, Joel Leslie really gave it his all for the audiobook (as he always does, according to other reviews I've read) and it made it all the more entertaining even if the theatricality did take some getting used to.
August 3, 2025
Book 4 of a loosely linked historical romance series. In To Sketch a Scandal, Warren Bakshi moonlights as the flirty and unreliable barkeep of a gay club by night while desperately working to support his disabled mother by day. When his brother unexpectedly returns home with a fortune, Warren is cast adrift and signs up for art lessons, setting him on a collision path with the unsuitable Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw who's in the same class undercover.
A Victorian romance between the Anglo-Indian guy who runs a gay bar and a detective whose career is based on entrapping men for gross indecency is an intriguingly KJ Charles sort of premise, one of my particular favorite romance writers. While To Sketch a Scandal didn't have quite that level of sparkle, it was still charming. Everlee has a good eye for depicting the edges of Victorian society, whether it be Warren's drag queen friends or his community of South Asian immigrants, rather than sticking to the well trodden (and very white) grounds of aristocratic ballrooms. Many readers will also be relieved to know that Matthew Shaw is on a becoming disillusioned with the police force arc. However, I was a little disappointed that this is solidly a romcom with no mystery or thriller elements--the investigation is mostly narrative pretext to fling the two men together.
A solid queer historical romance on a level with Jordan Hawk or Allie Therin.
A Victorian romance between the Anglo-Indian guy who runs a gay bar and a detective whose career is based on entrapping men for gross indecency is an intriguingly KJ Charles sort of premise, one of my particular favorite romance writers. While To Sketch a Scandal didn't have quite that level of sparkle, it was still charming. Everlee has a good eye for depicting the edges of Victorian society, whether it be Warren's drag queen friends or his community of South Asian immigrants, rather than sticking to the well trodden (and very white) grounds of aristocratic ballrooms. Many readers will also be relieved to know that Matthew Shaw is on a becoming disillusioned with the police force arc. However, I was a little disappointed that this is solidly a romcom with no mystery or thriller elements--the investigation is mostly narrative pretext to fling the two men together.
A solid queer historical romance on a level with Jordan Hawk or Allie Therin.
December 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and to Harlequin Audio for this e-alc in exchange for my honest review.
Oh the things that I felt for this beautiful romance! I loved these two main characters with my whole heart and found myself rooting for them the entire book. The way that they connected? They both saw each other - for exactly who they each were and they both wanted each other no matter what. That's beautiful and truly is what love is and it was great to read it! I loved how the story explored the implications of their sexual preferences and what it could mean for them - that truly led into some breathtakingly sweet stolen moments.
Joel Leslie is a phenomenal narrator - the characters felt real and he truly just brought out the emotion in this story.
Oh the things that I felt for this beautiful romance! I loved these two main characters with my whole heart and found myself rooting for them the entire book. The way that they connected? They both saw each other - for exactly who they each were and they both wanted each other no matter what. That's beautiful and truly is what love is and it was great to read it! I loved how the story explored the implications of their sexual preferences and what it could mean for them - that truly led into some breathtakingly sweet stolen moments.
Joel Leslie is a phenomenal narrator - the characters felt real and he truly just brought out the emotion in this story.
February 20, 2025
thank you Harlequin Netgalley and Jess Everlee for the ARC! 4.5 because it’s not Noah and David - this series is so fun and silly and i enjoyed seeing the cast come back but in a way that is unobtrusive to a new couple. the depth of both characters and their pasts affecting who they are and how they act now was well written and the bad guys were ugh but not scarily dangerous- jess everlee has a way of showing historical “homophobia” in a way that makes you mostly enjoy the hope and joy of queer community
June 30, 2025
If you like an adorable, low stakes, gay historical romcom this is for you!
I really adored following Warren and Matty as they navigated not only each other, but their circumstances. Is it really forbidden love? Not really, but it is cute so it’s okay 🤣
The stakes are very low in comparison to other historical romances I’ve read, but I thought it worked.
This is also the 4th book in the lucky lovers of London series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin audio for the ALC!
I really adored following Warren and Matty as they navigated not only each other, but their circumstances. Is it really forbidden love? Not really, but it is cute so it’s okay 🤣
The stakes are very low in comparison to other historical romances I’ve read, but I thought it worked.
This is also the 4th book in the lucky lovers of London series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin audio for the ALC!
July 15, 2025
I have to say I really this book surprised me a bit. I was obviously hopeful because I requested the ARC read. I was not sure I would be able to get past the narrator, or the older style language the book is written in. But BOY HOWDY I'm so happy I stuck with it. Soon the narrator matched the vibe and theme of the story. And he did a great job bringing both MMCs to life. The story was written at a time where being LGTBQIA+ is very illegal, and Jess Everlee did a great job bringing to life a story that very well could have happen during that time. Keeping to the times in a perfect way. I also have to give Jess props for the descriptions during spicy scenes. Some of the terms, or phrases used to descript the...crisis... were terms or phrases I have never read/heard in an MM book. But they fit the book, the scenes, the theme perfectly. Overall the story was sweet, and beautifully written with just enough angst and yearning. Big thank you to Jess Everlee and Harlequin Audio for approving my ARC listen of To Sketch a Scandal.
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