The Vicar and the Rake

3.25 “very promising debut author” stars, despite some weaknesses. The author seemed to be trying too hard to channel Cat Sebastian (the kitten could have wandered out of [b:The Ruin of a Rake 35759805 The Ruin of a Rake (The Turner Series, #3) Cat Sebastian https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1513325702l/35759805.SX50.jpg 53180635]) and K.J. Charles (manservant who doesn't put up with his lordship's shit a la Lucien and Merrick in [b:The Magpie Lord 34715150 The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490703800l/34715150.SY75.jpg 24803707], group of queer men banding together for friendship and protection just like the Ricardians in [b:A Fashionable Indulgence 23834716 A Fashionable Indulgence (Society of Gentlemen, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1426671942l/23834716.SX50.jpg 43446335] et al). There was also a lot of emotional whiplash in the book's first half as the two MCs vacillated between hating/loving and pushing/pulling numerous times within a given scene. And finally, the two MCs were frequently upstaged by their respective siblings, who apparently inherited all the brains in the family. But Greene is a talented writer, and overall I enjoyed the book. Although Edward's devious brother and Gabriel's unflappable sister did devise the plot to save the day, Edward's struggle to develop some agency over his life was poignant and the small steps he took laudable. The love scenes between the two men sparkled with energy, and after the first half the relationship between the two men settled into a more realistic arc, with Edward believing he was too damaged by childhood trauma to be worthy of love,and Gabriel realizing that his love can't heal a broken man. The last chapter was a charming callback to an earlier scene, and I had no doubt that the two MCs would sustain their HEA. Despite the “average” rating I'm giving this book, I will definitely check out the next one in the series. I have a feeling Annabelle Greene will grow into a stronger, more consistent author. ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.