Welcome to Litsy!

My very healthy lunch: a peanut cone and an historical romance. THE PERFECT CRIMES OF MARIAN HAYES starts off with some excellent flirty blackmail. I‘m now 70 pages in and still enjoying it, though I‘ll note it‘s a lot more tangled up with the first book in the series than you usually see with romances. I definitely recommend you start with THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB, or you‘ll miss out on some pivotal scenes and motivations.

Second in the London Highwaymen series. I didn‘t read the first. This was a fun enemies to lovers romance book with two lgbtq+ leads. The cast of characters was fun and they played off each other well.

This might be my fault, but I‘m giving this a so-so only because it took me a bit to understand Rob‘s relation to everyone and his reasons for blackmail. But I did love how he cares so much about Marian - that‘s my favorite aspect of the book. Either way, this story is about a Lady turning rogue with the help of a man blackmailing her, and sparks fly.

I am greatly offended by the knowledge that a man like Rob doesn‘t exist in this world. Or a glorious WOMAN like Marian. It‘s just not fair!

What a good book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was so good!!! Where can I find myself a Rob? I loved the character dynamics and the enemies to lovers sort of trope but without following a cliche pattern. I‘ve been turned off romance recently, but this was a refreshing and inclusive historical romance. I experienced a bit of a reading slump while I was reading this one, so it took me longer than I expected. It definitely gave me fall vibes and I loved the way it wrapped up.

I cannot express how much I loved this book. A band of slightly broken, completely endearing, full hearted criminals that stand up for each in the most wonderful ways. I so hope there are more books in the series as I will never get of these friends. I hope Betty gets her book next!

very quick read, super cute. one very “uhh was this necessary” plot point BUT we love a grumpy female protagonist and a sunshine male to help her get away with all her crimes. also more queer rep than anticipated just based on the cover so double win.

Best start to the weekend.

Thos weekend's book haul! Lots of books for the beach and some others that have been on my list to own. #bookhaul

This was a very cute historical/mystery/romance. The banter between our two characters, which starts epistolary is great. The beginning of the book definitely hooked me right away. The middle was a bit slow and could have used some editing out, but the book wrapped in a very satisfying way. This is book two of a series, and I do recommend reading book 1 first. 4⭐️
#NSR22 - historical

Delightful doesn't even begin to describe this incredibly fun but also thoughtful bi-for-bi historical romance. A soft thief with a heart of gold and a penchant for crime a la Robin Hood and for brusque woman who order him around? A prickly determined woman new to crime but fiercely committed to protecting those she loves? A couple who falls in live via letters which start out as notes between enemies? Queer found family of criminals? I love it!

Congrats to these two doofuses for realizing they can be happy!

Time to update my #2022ReadingBracket. My favorite May book was The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian. So lovely.

There was a lot to love about this book (two bi main characters! crimes! a prickly heroine paired with a charming hero! praise kink! fucking with the aristocracy!) but the poor pacing of the plot (particularly in the middle section) left me feeling a bit disengaged overall.

Nothing says "day off" like reading at the gas station while you get your car inspection sticker ✌️

Made up my May #BookSpinBingo card. While make my #BookSpin list two days ago I completely forgot to add the book I was reading at the time. So I marked it as a Free square.