Publishers Weekly
★ 07/06/2020
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. (June)
From the Publisher
Cat Sebastian is a queen of queer historical romance...Sebastian never disappoints.” — Entertainment Weekly
"Sebastian sends out her Seducing the Sedgwicks series in style with this intimate Regency romance... 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." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"With this life-affirming final act to the trilogy, Sebastian delivers a fiercely joyous tale of two people fighting to give each other a home and learning to love well." — Library Journal (starred review)
"With the latest swoon-worthy addition to her Regency-set Seducing the Sedgwicks series, Sebastian once again brings exquisite depth and nuance to her characters while at the same time striking the perfect balance between sweet romantic yearning and bold sensuality." — Booklist Online
On It Takes Two to Tumble: “The novel soars most in the moments where we see Phillip and Ben’s love propel them to find understanding with other members of their families... Sebastian’s latest checks all the boxes for a delightful winter read.” — Entertainment Weekly
Booklist Online
"With the latest swoon-worthy addition to her Regency-set Seducing the Sedgwicks series, Sebastian once again brings exquisite depth and nuance to her characters while at the same time striking the perfect balance between sweet romantic yearning and bold sensuality."
Entertainment Weekly
On It Takes Two to Tumble: “The novel soars most in the moments where we see Phillip and Ben’s love propel them to find understanding with other members of their families... Sebastian’s latest checks all the boxes for a delightful winter read.
Library Journal
06/05/2020
Titled yet penniless, Sir Martin Esterbrook plans to die unobtrusively of consumption before he causes any more pain for the love of his life Will Sedgwick. The problem is Will has other plans. Will has known prickly Martin since Martin's late father separated them by securing Will's place in His Majesty's Navy. Martin nursed Will back to something resembling wholeness when his time in the navy left him shattered—now Will is determined to do the same for Martin. With Martin dangerously ill in the depths of winter, Will decides to remove him to a cottage in the countryside where Martin's lungs won't be taxed by the murky London air. As winter melts into spring, and Martin keeps on living, the two men grow increasingly aware of the myriad ways they belong to each other—and dare to dream of a shared future. VERDICT With this life-affirming final act to the trilogy (It Takes Two To Tumble; A Gentleman Never Keeps Score), Sebastian delivers a fiercely joyous tale of two people fighting to give each other a home and learning to love well.—Anna J. Clutterbuck-Cook, Massachusetts Historical Soc., Boston
