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“I don’t know how you harden your heart enough to do crimes, Rob.”
“Darling, when I steal from someone, it’s my good deed for the day.”
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes —
Cat Sebastian
London Highwaymen Book 2
★★★★★
A decade spent nursing a deep-seated hatred for the aristocracy has turned Rob Brooks into the upbeat and charming thief, con artist, and – in the case of Marian Hayes – blackmailer he is today, but Marian, the Duchess of Clare, is not at all what he expected.
Rob is certainly a thorn in Marian’s side, but she has bigger problems. To solve them, she drags Rob into the English countryside. Along the way, they have a few drinks, pick a few pockets, and enjoy each others’ company. It’s more fun than either of them has had in ages. The only question is if they’ll be able to escape the past and stay together.
Review
My favorite historical fiction makes the setting an integral part of the plot and teaches me something about the era, and The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes delivers on both counts. The plot is fun and manages to stay lighthearted while acknowledging the very limited options most people – particularly women – had in that setting. This is the first Cat Sebastian I’ve read, and I absolutely adored it. Sebastian’s writing is so immersive; I finished the book in one sitting, mostly on accident. I was more than halfway through before I came up for air.
This is also the first romance I’ve read in a while, and it’s been even longer since I enjoyed one to this degree. I’d forgotten how much fun romance can be. Rob and Marian both come alive from page one. They’re dynamic, engaging, and full characters – both individually and together. Rob is charming and earnest. Marian is witty and sharp. There’s clear consent from both throughout the entire story. It’s an easy read and a good time.
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes is the second book in a series but can stand alone. I haven’t read the first book, and while I could tell there was some missing context, I loved Rob and Marian’s story. I was never confused, and the book isn’t plot heavy. You get everything you need to know, but I’m sure The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, book one in the series, is a good read if you’d prefer to start there!
What did you think of The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes? Which Cat Sebastian should I pick up next?
Content warnings: Alzheimer’s/dementia, blood, domestic abuse (described, not between main characters), gun violence, injury, pregnancy/birth trauma, sexual content
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