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armontheroad's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was unable to get to this before the release date, however, that did not discourage my adoration for this novel! THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB is truly a masterpiece. This book had witty dialogue, a swoon-worthy romance, and a cast of characters you'll adore. I am very excited to read more of Cat Sebastian's works!
Dislikes: I do wish this had characters of color, as I am so tired of the "I can't add People Of Color in my historical fiction" discourse. We, POC, have been around since the beginning of time. There truly is no reason to exclude us from your pieces. ESPECIALLY fictional pieces! I also wish the robbery was a tad longer. We spent the entirety of the novel planning for this big event and it lasted two seconds.
Likes: This book is hilarious! The romance was perfectly executed. Watching Kit and Percy find their rhythm and grow to deeply love one another was utterly romantic. I was obsessed with the disability rep in this; Kit needs to use a cane to walk and seeing him slowly come to realize his disability is just a part of himself was so nice. Internalized ableism is very real and it's difficult to unlearn those biases.
Overall, 4.5!! I would recommend this to loads of people (queer people, romance readers, historical fiction lovers, etc).
TWs/CWs: Gun violence, death of a child (past tense), death of a parent/death of a parent to cancer (past tense), sexual content, alcohol consumption, ableism, etc.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Child death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
junovverse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
More graphic smut than I expected, but I was a big fan of the shitting on landlords part of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Homophobia, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
pastel_clouds's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Gun violence, and Blood
nickoliver's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
For the most part, this book was fun. It was about Percy, a lord who got blackmailed alongside his childhood best friend (who was also technically his mother-in-law, because old men are absolutely vile ) and now had to stage a robbery in order to get a specific book from his father. Enter Kit, a retired highwayman, who he wanted to help him accomplish that.
The romance, unexpectedly, was quite slowburn, which was a nice, pleasant surprise. Since there were only about 350 pages, it wasn't too drawn-out either; instead, it was quite well-balanced. The story was told in dual POV from both Kit's and Percy's perspectives, and I liked both protagonists - separately, and as a couple. I liked the way they bickered with each other, and that it took some time for them to really open up to each other.
The diversity in this was also well done. I found it fascinating to have a gay main character in a historical setting live as openly as Percy did, because I wasn't aware that that had even been possible. While it was acknowledged that it was dangerous and illegal, it was mostly kept lightly, so you didn't get too anxious reading about them being lovingly. I also adored that Kit had a bad leg and had to walk with a cane, and the way that was portrayed. Sebastian showed the struggles he went through but without making it seem like his sole existence was completely burdening, and the way Percy paid attention to his pain was lovely.
Additionally, the side characters, too, were charming. I sometimes wished I got a little bit more from them - especially from Marian and Rob, whose ending was a bit too open and unfinished for my taste. I just wished they showed up a bit more. Plus, certain things were treated a bit too lightly when they should've had a lot more obvious impact. Everyone was okay with some things (like Rob coming back from the dead ) way too quickly.
I really appreciated the discussions that took place in the book, especially between Kit and Percy. With Kit being a criminal who always had to rely on illegal activity to get by and Percy being the son of a rich, heartless landlord, there was a big difference in the way they grew up. They talked a lot about class and privilege, and I especially enjoyed the way Kit talked about landlords and that even if Percy tried to be better than his father, landlords were by definition unable to be “good”. It was nice to see a romance hero not abandon his principles for love, and instead have the other one leave behind his life of leisure.
The plot was the only part where things got a bit imperfect for me. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of actual plot action. The heist took forever to happen - the majority of the story was about Kit teaching Percy how to be a highwayman rather than them actually being ones. While I liked reading about the build-up because it was pretty fun, the actual climax was a bit of a letdown. It was pretty much over in a heartbeat and didn’t offer that many positive results. And like I mentioned, Marian and Rob’s involvements were kept vague, which I didn’t enjoy.
Additionally, some of the plot was simply a bit too confusing to me. For example, I didn’t understand the reasons behind the blackmailing - and the way it ended felt a bit like Sebastian wasn’t that attached to it either, anyway -, and the whole explanation for the book was also information that I couldn’t for the life of me retain. In general, the book was definitely more focused and fleshed-out when it came to the characters rather than the plot. I don’t think I would recommend this to people who are interested in it solely for the heist portion.
Lastly, the book was actually pretty forgettable; I had to pretty much reread the entire thing before writing this review, because I couldn't remember for the life of me a single thing that had happened, nor any precise opinions on it. That is very unusual for me, since I normally remember at least parts or the general gist of the plot.
Overall, though, I liked this! Especially the characters and their interactions shone for me, I had a lot of fun. Cat Sebastian is definitely an author I'd like to try another book by.
The romance, unexpectedly, was quite slowburn, which was a nice, pleasant surprise. Since there were only about 350 pages, it wasn't too drawn-out either; instead, it was quite well-balanced. The story was told in dual POV from both Kit's and Percy's perspectives, and I liked both protagonists - separately, and as a couple. I liked the way they bickered with each other, and that it took some time for them to really open up to each other.
The diversity in this was also well done. I found it fascinating to have a gay main character in a historical setting live as openly as Percy did, because I wasn't aware that that had even been possible. While it was acknowledged that it was dangerous and illegal, it was mostly kept lightly, so you didn't get too anxious reading about them being lovingly. I also adored that Kit had a bad leg and had to walk with a cane, and the way that was portrayed. Sebastian showed the struggles he went through but without making it seem like his sole existence was completely burdening, and the way Percy paid attention to his pain was lovely.
Additionally, the side characters, too, were charming. I sometimes wished I got a little bit more from them - especially from Marian and Rob, whose ending was a bit too open and unfinished for my taste. I just wished they showed up a bit more. Plus, certain things were treated a bit too lightly when they should've had a lot more obvious impact. Everyone was okay with some things (like
I really appreciated the discussions that took place in the book, especially between Kit and Percy. With Kit being a criminal who always had to rely on illegal activity to get by and Percy being the son of a rich, heartless landlord, there was a big difference in the way they grew up. They talked a lot about class and privilege, and I especially enjoyed the way Kit talked about landlords and that even if Percy tried to be better than his father, landlords were by definition unable to be “good”. It was nice to see a romance hero not abandon his principles for love, and instead have the other one leave behind his life of leisure.
The plot was the only part where things got a bit imperfect for me. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of actual plot action. The heist took forever to happen - the majority of the story was about Kit teaching Percy how to be a highwayman rather than them actually being ones. While I liked reading about the build-up because it was pretty fun, the actual climax was a bit of a letdown. It was pretty much over in a heartbeat and didn’t offer that many positive results. And like I mentioned, Marian and Rob’s involvements were kept vague, which I didn’t enjoy.
Additionally, some of the plot was simply a bit too confusing to me. For example, I didn’t understand the reasons behind the blackmailing - and the way it ended felt a bit like Sebastian wasn’t that attached to it either, anyway -, and the whole explanation for the book was also information that I couldn’t for the life of me retain. In general, the book was definitely more focused and fleshed-out when it came to the characters rather than the plot. I don’t think I would recommend this to people who are interested in it solely for the heist portion.
Lastly, the book was actually pretty forgettable; I had to pretty much reread the entire thing before writing this review, because I couldn't remember for the life of me a single thing that had happened, nor any precise opinions on it. That is very unusual for me, since I normally remember at least parts or the general gist of the plot.
Overall, though, I liked this! Especially the characters and their interactions shone for me, I had a lot of fun. Cat Sebastian is definitely an author I'd like to try another book by.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Homophobia, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
kalin_grace's review
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
heyheyrenay's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence
ecobookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Gah, this was so good. Such a funny, tender, vivid and thoughtful story. The mystery aspect was well done, the romance development and medium-high steam level was excellent, the character development and banter and rapport between the characters were top notch, the sexual tension was *chef's kiss*. The audiobook was SO well performed, very much recommend. Kit and Percy were wonderful in different ways and wonderful together.
This is the first same-sex histrom I've read, and idk if it was because of this, but the way the book engaged with issues of wealth and class differences and exploitation was incredible. I've sort of had it in the back of my mind when reading histrom before but to see these issues addressed on-page blew my mind. Also, it's not explicit, but I think Kit may be demisexual. The disabled rep with Kit was also pretty well done, as was his relationship to alcohol. I appreciated the range of roles we see women inhabit in this book, from brothel madam to archer assisting a highway robbery.
I also really enjoyed the ending, it didn't feel rushed at all and was very satisfying. Though it does leave open ends to be explored in the sequel. This was my first Cat Sebastian book but definitely won't be my last!
This is the first same-sex histrom I've read, and idk if it was because of this, but the way the book engaged with issues of wealth and class differences and exploitation was incredible. I've sort of had it in the back of my mind when reading histrom before but to see these issues addressed on-page blew my mind. Also, it's not explicit, but I think Kit may be demisexual. The disabled rep with Kit was also pretty well done, as was his relationship to alcohol. I appreciated the range of roles we see women inhabit in this book, from brothel madam to archer assisting a highway robbery.
I also really enjoyed the ending, it didn't feel rushed at all and was very satisfying. Though it does leave open ends to be explored in the sequel. This was my first Cat Sebastian book but definitely won't be my last!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Death of parent
kharlan3's review against another edition
(m/m, historical, romance). This has all the things I love about Cat Sebastian books- men who are positively alarmed by the existence/depths of their feelings, clear anti-aristocracy sentiment, excellent consent! The sex and the anticipation is hot and well written (and always excellently narrated by Joel Leslie Froomkin), and the characters of all genders are able to be simultaneously delicate and strong and flustered and clear in their beliefs/politics. My one wish is that Kit’s cane/walking stick had been on the cover.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Addiction, Child death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Death of parent, Murder, and Colonisation
ehmannky's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Cat Sebastian books are always a treat and this one was just a pure delight. I loved the sword-fighting, the inherent homoeroticism of highway robbery, the love of building your own family away from the toxic family you were born to. I couldn't stop smiling while reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
meganpbennett's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have heard wonderful things about Cat Sebastian, and was eager to read her paperback debut novel, where a former highwayman and the son of a Duke meet and fall in love. It's a fast-paced book that focuses on how what Percy needs and wants builds the relationship between him and Kit. There's a mystery hidden within the plot, and a lot of emphasis is placed on the Duke of Clare's being not a nice man.
I would have rated it five stars if not for the ending, which I found far too hurried, and the ending felt as if none of the strings were tied off. IsScarlet really the Duke's legal wife? What do they want with the book? Is it really a match to Percy's mother's book ? Tying off the strings and making the ending better would have made this a 5 star book.
I would have rated it five stars if not for the ending, which I found far too hurried, and the ending felt as if none of the strings were tied off. Is
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent