A Rulebook for Restless Rogues

3.5 stars. I was underwhelmed by Jess Everlee's debut novel, [b:The Gentleman's Book of Vices 59901166 The Gentleman's Book of Vices (Lucky Lovers of London, #1) Jess Everlee https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664393064l/59901166.SY75.jpg 94252641], but pleasantly surprised by her sophomore effort. I still have some concerns about the author's plotting, but she has improved her character development skills. And although the “clueless best friends who are obviously in love with each other” trope is not one of my favorites, I only wanted to knock the MCs' heads together a few times.Noah and David met as schoolboys, when David punched Noah's frequent tormenter and won his undying gratitude. The boys fooled around a bit, as boys are wont to do in boarding school. But they never considered themselves as anything but BFFs, and any stronger feelings were left unexamined. After an apprenticeship in Italy, Noah became a well-regarded London tailor. David found a job as manager of The Curious Fox, a popular gentlemen's club for queer men, including Noah and his alter ego, Miss Penelope. When the Fox's rich, powerful owner threatens to close the establishment, David fears that his role of protector for some of London's most colorful drag queens and assorted queers is in jeopardy. Noah realizes it's time for him to step up and save the man who has always been there for him.As David and Noah spend more time together, they engage in a bit of drunken making out, the typical “we'll agree to forget last night because it didn't mean anything,” and then, hallelujah, around the 60% mark, the MCs start to express the feelings they previously couldn't quite formulate in their own heads. From that point, I'm happy to report there are no Big Misunderstandings or Noble Sacrifices for Love. They will face their challenges as a team. That's where the book's weakness becomes evident. Everything in the first half is leading up to a dangerous and exciting plan to save the Fox....and then it just doesn't happen because Reasons. The anticipated confrontation with the bad guy is avoided and the problem is solved by the surprise involvement of a third party. It's nice to know that the MCs were willing to face this danger together, but taking the agency away from them kills the book's momentum. Rulebook is still an engaging read, especially in the second half when the MCs open up to each other. Another highlight is the scene in which Noah confronts his surprisingly tolerant Unitarian father about his choice in careers and lovers, which goes splendidly sideways in another example of a perceived threat simply disappearing.The MCs from Book of Vices appear briefly, but this can easily be read as a standalone novel. Don't even pay attention to the title; there is no Rulebook and neither Noah nor David can really be considered “Restless Rogues.” ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.