The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes

Bookseller recommendation

“I have heard this described as 'two chaotic bisexuals falling in love' and I literally couldn't read the book fast enough. With the assumed predictability of a genre like romance, differences in representation down to the minutiae matter, and as a lover of the genre this book is so so good for this. We get bi-for-bi representation, along with a broadened idea of what (healthy and good) sex can look like, and - my personal favorite - a woman getting herself out of an abusive situation using violence. All within a historical context that makes all of this feel novel. Marian as a character who is coming out of an abusive relationship and finding con artist/charmer Rob is already so lovely, not to mention grumpy girl/sunshine guy couples are so much fun to read. Not falling into any tropes of what their love life should look like, and being honest about what the consequences of pregnancy would be for Marian were so refreshing, not only because we get to see some variety in the bedroom (no wham bam fade to black here!) but also because you don't have to suspend your disbelief about historical accuracy. This lends itself beautifully to a display of emotional intimacy, and their relationship and the reader's experience is richer for it. Really loved it!”

— Nyawira • Page 158 Books

Bookseller recommendation

“We enter Marian’s world as she starts receiving letters from a very charming anonymous agent informing her of her duke husband’s other more valid existing marriage—of course, the letter sender will keep silent for a tidy sum. And, only naturally, Marian continues a correspondence with this mysterious man and they start to slowly share more of themselves. She uses the letter drop-off locations to follow her blackmailer and discover his true identity: a well-liked, redheaded rogue named Rob. When she shoots her husband, Rob is the only experienced criminal she knows. So she kidnaps him as she goes on the run. Why wouldn’t she? (Rob is, as a matter of course, delighted to be 'kidnapped' so he can escort his new friend to safety.) An epic journey ensues, full of cold nights on the road where there’s not much to do other than share body heat and one’s deepest thoughts and feelings. There’s truly no other romance on the market like this historical love story between our sharp-tongued new mother Marian and our subby be-freckled highwayman Rob. Trust me, because I’ve been looking frantically. This story subverts tropes, has innovative and realistic steamy scenes, earnestly confronts trauma and the way it impacts our relationships (romantic or not), and, living up to Cat Sebastian’s reputation, it’s queer, I promise.”

— Wulfe • Raven Book Store