rainbowbrarian's Reviews (1.85k)

This was a well done noir queer piece. I think Rosen did a good job balancing the bleak reality of being queer in the 40/50s with a message of found family and hope. I was initially a bit reluctant to read this book, queer folks in a historical context does not often end well for the queer folks.

I liked the mystery and I think the characters were well done. Decently developed and compelling. It had just the right noir atmosphere too which I enjoy. I enjoyed the ending and it left space open for future installments with Andy, I would read a sequel for sure.

Content Warnings: contains discussion of suicidal ideation, on page violence, and discussions of past physical and mental abuse

It was a nice change of pace to see POC characters in a historical romance. I appreciated the way Cat Sebastian acknowledged the racism of the period but also didn't sensationalize it or fall into the white savoir trope. Of the two of them Sam has his stuff much more put together.

I enjoyed the way the relationship progressed, the discovery of the items in the wall at the very end came a little bit out of left field but it didn't bother me too much. And what IS it in the solicitor's cabinet then? Maybe we'll find out in the next book.

I loved the whole found family theme that has been woven through this book and the previous one.