To Sketch A Scandal

By: Jess Everlee

For fans of Alexis Hall and KJ Charles, a Victorian romance in which a rule-breaking bartender falls for a Scotland Yard detective, set in the high-stakes world of London’s underground queer community.

London, 1885

Like the underground establishment where he works, Warren Bakshi is more than he appears. By day, The Curious Fox is a respectable gentleman’s club. At night, its shadowy alcoves and back rooms invite liaisons as pleasurable as they are illegal. There, Warren leaves his conventional, daylight self behind to smile and pour drinks for appreciative clientele. All are welcome at the Fox—except those in a position to damage it. That list includes Detective Inspector Matthew Shaw.

Matty has used his good looks and quick mind to bring some of London’s worst criminals to justice. But new laws against homosexuality put his personal life at odds with his profession. When Matty and Warren end up in the same art class, where Matty is investigating a case of forgery, two facts become clear. First, Matty needs help to pass himself off as an art student. Second, the desire between them is explosive.

Private drawing tutorials give way to a sizzling affair, but real life is infinitely more complicated—and surprising—than any lessons could prepare them for…