I absolutely adored The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, so I was so hyped for this release. The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes was a love affair from the beginning. From the letters, to Rob’s character, to the action? Full on in love. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, just shot her husband. Of course, the evil, murderous man deserved what was coming to him, but now she must flee to the countryside. Unfortunately, the only person she can ask for help is the charismatic criminal who is blackmailing her–and who she may have left tied up a few hours before…
A highwayman, con artist, and all-around cheerful villain, Rob Brooks is no stranger to the wrong side of the law or the right side of anybody’s bed. He never meant to fall for the woman whose secrets he promised to keep for the low price of five hundred pounds, but how could he resist someone who led him on a merry chase all over London, left him tied up in a seedy inn, and then arrived covered in her husband’s blood and in desperate need of his help?
As they flee across the country–stopping to pick pockets, drink to excess, and rescue invalid cats–they discover more true joy and peace than either has felt in ages. But when the truth of Rob’s past catches up to him, they must decide if they are willing to reshape their lives in order to forge a future together.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Pretty early on while reading The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes, I knew I was going to love the book. Not only was I super intrigued in Rob from the last books, but I also instantly fell in love with Marian. And their letters? There’s a chunk of the book which details their letters which I cannot get over. It’s a fabulous writing technique which reveals so much about their personality. It feels like a throwback to epistolary novels and it made my heart melt.
I loved the wit, the vulnerabilities, and the sarcasm! So when I was able to see their interactions play out in real life – not via letters – I was totally smitten. Immediately I adored the tangled mess they found themselves in. The ways it interacts with The Queer Principles of Kit Webb is delightful. Seeing through both of their POVs, I loved the cinnamon roll of Rob and his affections towards stray animals. And then we have Marian who feels the weight of the world on her shoulders as she tries to save her family.
If you love queer historical fiction romances, you have to read The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes. Full of some serious tension and angst – and spice – this book celebrates chemistry and vulnerability. About being with someone who knows we’d do anything for them, but someone who wouldn’t let us do something that would destroy us. Someone who knows our boundaries and respects us. I want a million more books in this world okay? Find The Perfect Crime of Marian Hayes on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.