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Love & Knives
In a city built on smoke and sin, love might be the deadliest risk of all.
For a quiet girl from the Cotswolds, the smoke-filled streets of 1920s Birmingham is a foreign world of soot, secrets, and sharp edges. Elisabeth Montgomery is thrust into a life she doesn’t understand, with a family that’s falling apart at the seams. Naive and innocent, Lizzie’s never known the thrill—or the risk—of a man’s touch.
Until she meets James MacGuire.
A brooding former Irish gangster with a past drenched in blood and whiskey. James is everything Lizzie should avoid, yet one smouldering encounter ignites a fire she can't extinguish. He’s dangerous, intoxicating... and hiding dark truths that could shatter them both.
As long-buried secrets rise to the surface and enemies close in, James must confront his past. But redemption comes at a cost—and Lizzie’s heart might be the price. Will love be enough, or will the truth destroy their only chance at a future?
For a quiet girl from the Cotswolds, the smoke-filled streets of 1920s Birmingham is a foreign world of soot, secrets, and sharp edges. Elisabeth Montgomery is thrust into a life she doesn’t understand, with a family that’s falling apart at the seams. Naive and innocent, Lizzie’s never known the thrill—or the risk—of a man’s touch.
Until she meets James MacGuire.
A brooding former Irish gangster with a past drenched in blood and whiskey. James is everything Lizzie should avoid, yet one smouldering encounter ignites a fire she can't extinguish. He’s dangerous, intoxicating... and hiding dark truths that could shatter them both.
As long-buried secrets rise to the surface and enemies close in, James must confront his past. But redemption comes at a cost—and Lizzie’s heart might be the price. Will love be enough, or will the truth destroy their only chance at a future?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2025
About the author
Whitney Walquist
1 book10 followersAuthor of spicy, suspenseful romance with heart.
Romance author Whitney Walquist currently lives in Australia with her husband, two kids, and a corgi named Gatsby. With a background in film, she treats each chapter like a scene on screen—full of intense moments, simmering chemistry, and characters that stay with you long after the last page.
If you crave romance that’s sexy, emotional, and just a little dangerous, you’re in the right place
Connect with Whitney on Instagram:
@authorwhitneywalquist
Romance author Whitney Walquist currently lives in Australia with her husband, two kids, and a corgi named Gatsby. With a background in film, she treats each chapter like a scene on screen—full of intense moments, simmering chemistry, and characters that stay with you long after the last page.
If you crave romance that’s sexy, emotional, and just a little dangerous, you’re in the right place
Connect with Whitney on Instagram:
@authorwhitneywalquist
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Can I just start off by saying how I LOOOVE James.
I loved that this book is set up in the 1920’s, it’s always nice being somewhere else in a book. I love the “gangster” vibes and the gangs etc def giving peaky blinder feels — I loved the underground fighting that my man James was demolishing. obviously. 🤭
James was the exact kind of guy you want in a book. I was so obsessed with him and his remarks. He was so slick with it, and had ME blushing at how he talked to Lizzie specially early on.
Lizzie’s character growth throughout the book was def a great one. I expected her to be the way she was in the beginning based off the time era. Very innocent and naive to things around her .. but by the end ‘enter a slow clap’ my girl was such a baddie for the ending 👏
Both of the main characters are facing grief in their own way, and seeing them fall in love with each other when they both thought it would never happen — made me so happy.
Aidan, I hate you, that’s it that’s all.
I was so mad when he made James leave, and watching the way everything unfolded because of him— sent me into a fit and after finding out about her dad? Even more hatred to Aidan .
I read this book basically in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down, the suspense, the plot, the characters, the banter, the love, the spice it was all so much fun.
I really really hope Cameron gets a book and harry too! I am so intrigued by them and neeeed more 😏
Can I just start off by saying how I LOOOVE James.
I loved that this book is set up in the 1920’s, it’s always nice being somewhere else in a book. I love the “gangster” vibes and the gangs etc def giving peaky blinder feels — I loved the underground fighting that my man James was demolishing. obviously. 🤭
James was the exact kind of guy you want in a book. I was so obsessed with him and his remarks. He was so slick with it, and had ME blushing at how he talked to Lizzie specially early on.
Lizzie’s character growth throughout the book was def a great one. I expected her to be the way she was in the beginning based off the time era. Very innocent and naive to things around her .. but by the end ‘enter a slow clap’ my girl was such a baddie for the ending 👏
Both of the main characters are facing grief in their own way, and seeing them fall in love with each other when they both thought it would never happen — made me so happy.
Aidan, I hate you, that’s it that’s all.
I was so mad when he made James leave, and watching the way everything unfolded because of him— sent me into a fit and after finding out about her dad? Even more hatred to Aidan .
I read this book basically in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down, the suspense, the plot, the characters, the banter, the love, the spice it was all so much fun.
I really really hope Cameron gets a book and harry too! I am so intrigued by them and neeeed more 😏
September 22, 2025
4.25⭐️
If you want a Gatsby-eque, peaky blinders adjacent, historical romance then you really do not have to look any further.
For a debut novel, this really surprised me in the best way!
There is no element lost in this story. The characters have backstories and growth. The plot has interest and intrigue.
The romance is complex and the vibes are there.
I can’t wait to see what more Whitney puts out into the world.
🌶️🌶️.5
If you want a Gatsby-eque, peaky blinders adjacent, historical romance then you really do not have to look any further.
For a debut novel, this really surprised me in the best way!
There is no element lost in this story. The characters have backstories and growth. The plot has interest and intrigue.
The romance is complex and the vibes are there.
I can’t wait to see what more Whitney puts out into the world.
🌶️🌶️.5
September 27, 2025
Wow!! Well, grab a bottle of whiskey and find a comfy chair, because you’re going to devour “Love & Knives”in one sitting. This sexy drama is richly written and satisfying (see what I did there?) You’ll be pulled into the 1920s and you won’t be able to tear yourself away until you know the fate of the characters. And long after the last page, they’ll stay with you. Excellent read!
December 24, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This was such a unique read, in a good way!! It completely gave me Peaky Blinders vibes from start to finish!!
It’s gritty, dangerous, emotional, and suspenseful! I loved the 1920s Birmingham setting, it was dark and alive which added so much atmosphere and tension to the story!
Lizzie’s character development was so fun to watch!! Seeing her go from sheltered and unsure to finding her voice and strength in this harsh world. Her growth definitely made every moment hit harder!
And James… I loved him.
He’s broken, haunted, and trying to outrun a past soaked in violence and so much guilt 🥺 There were a few moments where he made me emotional, which I wasn’t fully prepared for!! His internal struggle, his need for redemption, and the way he loves added so much depth to the romance and made it feel raw and real!
Overall, this story was such a great mix of danger, love, and emotional tension!
If you love dark romance with strong character development, atmospheric settings, and morally gray men who hurt your feelings a little, this one is absolutely worth the read.
This was such a unique read, in a good way!! It completely gave me Peaky Blinders vibes from start to finish!!
It’s gritty, dangerous, emotional, and suspenseful! I loved the 1920s Birmingham setting, it was dark and alive which added so much atmosphere and tension to the story!
Lizzie’s character development was so fun to watch!! Seeing her go from sheltered and unsure to finding her voice and strength in this harsh world. Her growth definitely made every moment hit harder!
And James… I loved him.
He’s broken, haunted, and trying to outrun a past soaked in violence and so much guilt 🥺 There were a few moments where he made me emotional, which I wasn’t fully prepared for!! His internal struggle, his need for redemption, and the way he loves added so much depth to the romance and made it feel raw and real!
Overall, this story was such a great mix of danger, love, and emotional tension!
If you love dark romance with strong character development, atmospheric settings, and morally gray men who hurt your feelings a little, this one is absolutely worth the read.
January 5, 2026
Love & Knives delivers a gripping mix of danger, romance, and emotional depth. If you enjoy historical love stories with sharp edges and unforgettable characters, this one is absolutely worth your time!!!
March 10, 2026
Let me preface this by saying that I am not an expert on romance novels. I have also never seen a single episode of Peaky Blinders … BUT I ATE THIS UP (IN ONE SITTING NONETHELESS). I got so sucked into this story that I sped walked on the treadmill for over an hour without realising. Reading this joy of a book was like watching a movie – and that isn’t to say that Walquist’s writing is plain, full of dialogue or simply “fast-paced” – nononono. Each scene was written with purpose, and I finished every chapter wanting more! The dual POVs had me utterly obsessed with both characters by page 14.
I was particularly impressed with the author’s ability to write inside James’ mind. His character wasn’t just brought to life on the page, he was the page! I could hear his voice, feel his touch (lol I wish) and could practically SMELL him (not literally but you get the idea lol). He was so damn believable that I am wondering if the author was a flat cap gangster in her past life …?
Do yourself a favour and get a copy asap!
I was particularly impressed with the author’s ability to write inside James’ mind. His character wasn’t just brought to life on the page, he was the page! I could hear his voice, feel his touch (lol I wish) and could practically SMELL him (not literally but you get the idea lol). He was so damn believable that I am wondering if the author was a flat cap gangster in her past life …?
Do yourself a favour and get a copy asap!
November 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this read! The romance, the plot, the spice, the time period, the suspense… It was all perfection! I devoured this book & was so sad when I finished. CANNOT wait for more to come in this series!!
December 7, 2025
I loveeedddd this book! I loved disappearing into this time and experiencing all the excitement, love and heartbreak through the characters!!
May 23, 2026
A 1920s gangster romance? YES MOTHERFUCKING PLS!!
Where do I even start… James was probably one of the swaggyest men I have ever met on paper. He was giving young Thomas Shelby but down BAD for this woman. But this book had me gripped by the throat and never let go.
Both MMC were perfectly imperfect in their own ways. I do wish however we got more of an epilogue to see how they were doing later in life.
A solid 4.5⭐️ I can’t wait for the next!!
Now do I love a third act break up in the name of “protection”, no. Did I like that the FMC got with someone else? Also no. But I quickly forgave that cause the rest of the book was perfection.
Where do I even start… James was probably one of the swaggyest men I have ever met on paper. He was giving young Thomas Shelby but down BAD for this woman. But this book had me gripped by the throat and never let go.
Both MMC were perfectly imperfect in their own ways. I do wish however we got more of an epilogue to see how they were doing later in life.
A solid 4.5⭐️ I can’t wait for the next!!
Now do I love a third act break up in the name of “protection”, no. Did I like that the FMC got with someone else? Also no. But I quickly forgave that cause the rest of the book was perfection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
The story of James MacGuire and Elisabeth Montgomery is one that is beyond memorable and will leave you wanting more.
Having met the author, I was beyond excited hearing this was her debut and the era it was based on, was also adding to my excitement.
Think of this as Peaky Blinders if it was Tommy and Grace in their happy ever after.
Elisabeth's growth in this story is so beautiful, you can truly see her growing in strength through loss, heartbreak and understanding her worth as an individual. When James leaves her, as a reader I was doubting if he would ever come back and I admit it was hard in the beginning to truly connect with him given how his agenda for Lizzie was not pure at the start. By the end, James allowed himself to be vulnerable and redeemed himself as a character.
Whitney has done an amazing job for her debut, I would have loved to have some more depth on Aiden, Madeline and James's story as it felt a bit brushed over but it didn't dampen the read at all.
I'm super excited for the next instalment and for the next Whitney Walquist publishing!!
Having met the author, I was beyond excited hearing this was her debut and the era it was based on, was also adding to my excitement.
Think of this as Peaky Blinders if it was Tommy and Grace in their happy ever after.
Elisabeth's growth in this story is so beautiful, you can truly see her growing in strength through loss, heartbreak and understanding her worth as an individual. When James leaves her, as a reader I was doubting if he would ever come back and I admit it was hard in the beginning to truly connect with him given how his agenda for Lizzie was not pure at the start. By the end, James allowed himself to be vulnerable and redeemed himself as a character.
Whitney has done an amazing job for her debut, I would have loved to have some more depth on Aiden, Madeline and James's story as it felt a bit brushed over but it didn't dampen the read at all.
I'm super excited for the next instalment and for the next Whitney Walquist publishing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
An easy style to read and enjoy
Love and Knives is a debut novel and hopefully not the last from this author. The cover is beautiful and sets the 1920's feel as do the leading characters living and loving in what was sometimes an uneasy and not always legal atmosphere. There is romance and there is action as the male lead navigates a stormy profession and finds himself caught up in an unexpected and serious relationship.
I was given this as an ARC copy and found it easy reading with a smooth pace and down to earth style. Love the setting, found some of the peripheral characters interesting and found this easy reading overall.
Love discovering new and different authors.
Love and Knives is a debut novel and hopefully not the last from this author. The cover is beautiful and sets the 1920's feel as do the leading characters living and loving in what was sometimes an uneasy and not always legal atmosphere. There is romance and there is action as the male lead navigates a stormy profession and finds himself caught up in an unexpected and serious relationship.
I was given this as an ARC copy and found it easy reading with a smooth pace and down to earth style. Love the setting, found some of the peripheral characters interesting and found this easy reading overall.
Love discovering new and different authors.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews