I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, Kit is a highwayman—well, he used to be. Now, he’s got a limp to deal with and a coffee house to run instead, as he tries to keep his head down and his work honest. But when Percy, an aristocrat, sweeps into the shop one day with a robbery plan, Kit might have to reevaluate his decision. Especially since the proposal Percy has for him could give Kit the chance to finally get revenge on someone he’s long assumed to be out of his reach.

This was a cute, swashbuckling historical romance!

I liked Kit and Percy as characters. They’re quite different from each other in terms of worldview and upbringing, and watching them learn about each other and grow together was great to see. The chemistry and banter are both decent, and the progression of their relationship, while a little fast maybe, seemed pretty natural.

The other characters, aside from Marian, didn’t leave much of an impression on me. Even the Duke of Clare, the main antagonist, wasn’t that interesting to me. Perhaps if he had been present in more scenes, I would have felt more invested in taking him down. As it was, I was just kind of along for the ride more than anything else.

And unfortunately, toward the end, I felt a little let down. The plot twist wasn’t bad, but I wanted a little more explanation and resolution, especially in regards to my favorite side character. That character just sort of disappeared, and neither Kit nor Percy got to speak to them again. It was a little disappointing.

However, in the end, this was a sweet and entertaining story. It definitely strikes me as something that fans of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue would enjoy, with lots of sword fighting and heist planning and over-the-top flirting. Even though the ending left a bit to be desired for me, this is still worth a read, especially now that it’s Pride month!

Overall rating: 8/10

Content warning: There is some adult language, as well as several fairly explicit sex scenes.

The Queer Principles of Kit Webb is now available, having been published on June 8th, 2021!