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The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes

Audiobook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available

Cat Sebastian returns to Georgian London with a stunning tale of a reluctant criminal and the thief who cannot help but love her.


Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, just shot her husband. Of course, the evil, murderous man deserved what was coming to him, but now she must flee to the countryside. Unfortunately, the only person she can ask for help is the charismatic criminal who is blackmailing her—and who she may have left tied up a few hours before...

A highwayman, con artist, and all-around cheerful villain, Rob Brooks is no stranger to the wrong side of the law or the right side of anybody's bed. He never meant to fall for the woman whose secrets he promised to keep for the low price of five hundred pounds, but how could he resist someone who led him on a merry chase all over London, left him tied up in a seedy inn, and then arrived covered in her husband's blood and in desperate need of his help?

As they flee across the country—stopping to pick pockets, drink to excess, and rescue invalid cats—they discover more true joy and peace than either has felt in ages. But when the truth of Rob's past catches up to him, they must decide if they are willing to reshape their lives in order to forge a future together.

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    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from April 4, 2022
      Sebastian’s Georgian England–set sequel to The Queer Principals of Kit Webb shines with a pair of intoxicatingly audacious leads who so successfully blend good nature with criminal intention that readers will root for the success of every bad idea, including their unlikely romance. Lovable thief Rob “Gladhand Jack” Brooks is displeased to learn from his brothel-owning mother that he is the legitimate heir of the Duke of Clare, a role he has no interest in. Rob’s attempt to blackmail the current Duke’s unhappy new wife, Marian Hayes, with this information yields no money, but it leads the pair to a charming correspondence. Marian sets out to rob the Duke’s coach for her own reasons—but after things go awry and she unintentionally shoots the Duke near-fatally, she compels Rob to join her on her flight from London, leading to lots of wittily acerbic verbal sparring and, of course, love. It’s a rare m/f pairing from Sebastian, but with two bisexual leads, cross-dressing, and frank discussions of the pleasures of non-penetrative sex, this refreshing romance brings wonderfully queer sensibilities to bear. Sebastian’s clever mix of Gilbert and Sullivan–esque plot, Robin Hood morality, and contemporary gender dynamics make a stunningly successful combination. Agent: Diedre Knight, Knight Agency.

    • Library Journal

      September 1, 2022

      With help from the talented narrator Joel Leslie, Sebastian returns with a follow-up to the Georgian London-set The Queer Principles of Kit Webb. Leslie's masterful accents and dialects keep listeners entertained as he introduces Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, who has shot her horrible husband and is on the lam, with Rob Brooks, a charming criminal who is blackmailing her. Opening with the blackmail correspondence sets up the story and allows listeners a front-row seat as their relationship progresses from enemies to friends to more. A perfect balance of light and dark in both personality and narration, Marian and Rob flee across the countryside, encountering many adventures along the way. The banter is fun and witty, and the chemistry blossoms into an interesting sexual dynamic between them. From Sebastian's fantastic storytelling to Leslie's dramatic performance, the depth of the characters is phenomenal. VERDICT A uniquely different take on historical romance with lots of adventure that runs parallel with the first title and will be even more delightful when read in order.--Emily Pykare

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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