To Sketch a Scandal
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
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
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Everlee's smooth fourth Lucky Lovers of London Victorian romance (after A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadance) follows Scotland Yard detective Matty Shaw, who, at 25, is eager to take over his retiring mentor's role as chief detective. However, his undercover work baiting men into committing criminal sodomy has tarnished his reputation, putting his promotion in jeopardy. He has one last job to prove that his investigative prowess extends beyond seduction: pose as an art student to determine if a scammy art school is behind a slew of counterfeit paintings. Meanwhile, Anglo-Indian Warren Bakshi tends bar at a secret gay club to support his mother—until his older brother, Harry, returns after years away with a fortune and wife in tow. This windfall, combined with Harry's insistence that Warren find a more respectable career, leads him to enroll in the suspect art school, where Matty soon begs Warren's help in improving his art skills lest he blow his cover. Their attraction is undeniable, but they must keep it under wraps or risk their tenuous positions in society. Even with the high stakes that come from the criminalization of homosexuality, Everlee keeps things on the fluffy side, complete with fun, seductive banter and strong historical ambience. This is a treat.
