A review by just_one_more_paige
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian

adventurous lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

 
What we have here is one more prime example of "Paige has abandoned the perilously high stack of books on her TBR pile next to the bed at home in favor of a spur of the moment library book" reading choice. And after basically speeding through this in one day, I can tell you that I'm not even sorry, not one little bit. (But really, I have to do something about that stack at home, as it's reaching unsafe heights.) 
 
Kitt Webb has left his days as a highwayman behind him, what with the loss of his best friend and the leg wound that plagues him And he's now living the life of a (more-or-less) respectable coffee shop owner (minus the fact that his closest friend/shop assistant using it as a meeting place for the people she works with that are looking to fence hot items). Percy, Lord Holland, and his best friend Marian, are looking for a highwayman of Kitt's reputation to help with a very delicate job: stealing an item from his father in order to bring him down (he's a horrible person, really) and simultaneously save Percy's own name/future. Kitt refuses to actually do the job, but does offer to help Percy learn enough to do it himself. And, of course, their time spent together leads to a deeper bond being formed...one that gives both Kitt and Percy a new idea of what their futures could look like, together, even though it's nothing that either of them planned for or expected.   
 
This is the first historical romance I think I've ever read, if I'm being honest. I mean, I (of course) binge-watched Bridgerton with the rest of the world, but I never read the books they were based on. I tend to lean more into contemporary and paranormal/fantasy romance, when I'm in the mood for something steamy and entertaining. But here we are. And it was awesome. Kitt and Percy were a great opposites-attract pair, with all the aspects of completely opposing backgrounds and realities and outlooks that make that trope so good. Combined with the way they interacted, all sullen and sarcastic covering up insecurities about how vulnerable their real feelings for each other left them, was *chef's kiss* as an interpersonal vibe. (I do love a snarky writing style though, so color me a bit biased there.) Plus, the slow burn and sexual tension build was excruciating and the sex scenes, when they finally arrived, were steamy and made the wait worth it. Let's hear it, too, for the bi male lead - not one I usually see and I was here for it! As far as the greater plot, surrounding the romance aspects, it was super fun. The planning and prepping for a road-side robbery was dramatic and adventurous, just the right amount of added danger and intrigue (as all the stories unfold). 
 
The slightly deeper point of discussion in the plot, which gave rise (I assume) to the pun/double meaning in the choice of title, focused on the difference between principles and manners. It was based on the underlying trope of lawful versus right with the "uncouth highwayman with principles based around doing good" (the Robin Hood vibe) pitted against the "fancy, rich landlord who acts very proper but takes advantage of people." In this case, it was explored in an interesting way between Kitt and Percy, as Kitt opened Percy's eyes to how bad his father actually was (IRL, past Percy's own knowledge), while Kitt learned to accept that a person is not solely who/what he was born as, and can change (for the better). This addressing of class difference and obscene wealth versus extreme poverty played it's part well as an external complication. And I really appreciate the way Sebastian was able to build to an ending where Kitt and Percy could coexist in a relationship moving forwards without having to pretend those issues weren’t/aren’t there, but also within reason considering the characters backgrounds and personalities. 
 
What a read! Spectacular, page-turning fun, sprinkled liberally with humorous dialogu and lots of sexy eyeing/side-eyeing (and more). The period drama, like sword-fighting and titled land-holders and castles and carriage robberies and fantastic ladies of the night side characters (I'm a sucker for those) and clothing, was all so entertaining. Despite being able to guess where things were going (as in, the plot twists were not as *gasp* shocking as they could have been), I was completely swept up in this dramatic plot adventure romance. A great impromptu library book choice! 
 
“Love, while a fine thing, might be little more than an accident. It was what came next that mattered.” 
 
“This was what he wanted - the chance to be known for the worst of what he was and to be held dear anyway, the ability to trust a person as more than an ally.” 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings