Two Rogues Make a Right

Starred review from July 6, 2020
Sebastian sends out her Seducing the Sedgwicks series in style with this intimate Regency romance (following A Gentleman Never Keeps Score). Mr. William Sedgwick and Sir Martin Easterbrook have been best friends since childhood, despite the class disparity between their families. Now Martin—who was raised by a despotic and lecherous father and hides his fragile emotions under a prickly exterior—is wasting away of consumption. And the fanciful but staunchly moral Will—who’s recovering from an opium addiction and traumatic experiences in the Royal Navy—spirits him away to convalesce in a country cottage. The close quarters initially present a challenge, as repressed Martin has been in love with Will for ages, while more experienced Will suddenly awakens to his own attraction to Martin. But as Martin regains his health, the men acknowledge their desire relatively quickly, entering into a loving, comfortable relationship that sees idiot and sweetheart used as almost interchangeable terms of endearment—until their scarred psyches get in the way of their tender domesticity and Martin returns to London without Will. But Will refuses to be left behind. Sensual sex scenes and fully realized supporting characters enhance the tale, and though the conflict is minimal, Sebastian succeeds in making it feel momentous. This is a delight. Agent: Deirdre Knight, the Knight Agency.