The Gentleman's Book of Vices

September 5, 2022
Everlee’s sparkling debut finds rakish Charlie Price, a collector of erotic novels in 1883 London, falling for his favorite author, Miles Montague, who writes under the pseudonym Reginald Cox. Struggling bookshop owner Miles is initially wary of the handsome stranger who tracks him down for an autograph, convinced that Charlie intends to blackmail him for his tales of queer sex—until, as insurance, they each confess “something damning” to insure mutual destruction should either come forward. When Miles returns Charlie’s visit, poor timing has him comically mistaken by Charlie’s soon-to-be mother-in-law for a sommelier and he’s tasked with selecting wine for Charlie’s dreaded impending nuptials. The two men act on their passions in Charlie’s library later that day, and their budding secret relationship inspires Miles to write, but there’s a clock on their romance. Though Charlie’s marriage is a loveless match to get him out of debt, Miles refuses to have an affair with a married man. As Charlie plots to call off the wedding and pursue a future with Miles, a bid to buy Miles’s shop threatens the men’s happiness. Charming supporting characters and vivid period detail enhance this enchanting romance. Everlee shows real promise. Agent: Laura Zats, Headwater Literary.

October 1, 2022

DEBUT A decadent dandy on the way to the altar and a reclusive author of erotic novels find unexpected love in Victorian London in Everlee's debut and series launch. Debt-ridden Charlie Price is six weeks away from a marriage that will ensure financial support from his family, but it will also mean an end to indulging many of his pleasures, including locking away his prized collection of erotic novels. When he has a chance to get a signature from his favorite author, he jumps at the opportunity to make his collection complete. Miles Montague is a reclusive bookstore owner and author, fearful of potential notoriety and the long arm of the law. When someone who knows his alter ego comes calling, he is frightened, concerned, and angry, but Charlie's charm and honest admiration for his work ends up propelling the two men into a fiery affair that will make them question their previous plans. VERDICT Everlee creates an intriguing cast of found family for Charlie and truly thorny obstacles for the lovers to overcome. Fans of Cat Sebastian and Olivia Waite will enjoy this queer Victorian romance.--Sierra Wilson

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October 15, 2022
Charlie Price knows his impending marriage to Alma Merriweather means that he can no longer indulge in his taste for naughty books that celebrate forbidden love between men. But before Charlie puts his carefully curated collection of erotica away, he is determined to get his favorite author in the whole world, Reginald Cox, to autograph Charlie's copy of Cox's novel, Immorality Plays. However, when Charlie finally manages to track down Reginald, he is surprised to discover that London's leading purveyor of literary smut is actually grumpy, laconic, yet incredibly sexy bookshop owner Miles Montague. What is even more surprising is just how easily Miles can evoke the same kinds of feelings in Charlie in person as he does with his writing. What with its brilliantly blended notes of nuanced characterization, beautifully evoked Victorian setting, scorchingly sensual yet sweetly romantic love story, and slyly witty writing, readers will want to savor every word of Everlee's splendid debut, the launch of her Lucky Lovers of London series, like a fine vintage wine.

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