To Sketch a Scandal - Advanced Reader Copy

Thank you so much to Harlequin and Jess Everlee for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

To Sketch a Scandal by Jess Everlee is the fourth book in the Lucky Lovers of London series. I previously reviewed book three, A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence.

This 304-page book comes out on July 22nd, 2025 and will be available in paperback for $18.99.

Told in alternating POV between our two lead characters, Warren and Matty, this queer historical fiction takes place in 1886. The time period is important to the plot because harsh anti-sodomite laws have just been passed in London, and Matty works for the Metropolitan police.

His love interest, Warren, is newly elevated in social class due to his formerly estranged brother coming back from seeking his fortune at sea. This plot-point struck me as odd, though, because Warren and his family are Indian. Being a POC and new money makes no bearing on the plot other than that Warren no longer needs to work.

Also, without giving anything away, the constant threat of being arrested for their illicit love affair is more or less waved away on the last page.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad there was a Happily Ever After, but it felt unrealistic and unearned. Most of the last third felt rushed and slapped together.

3/5 Stars