I wanted this book since I read the first in the series! Watching David and Noah evolve over the course of the story—from their initial struggles to the eventual opening of their hearts—was a journey I thoroughly enjoyed. The author made their growth feel natural, showing not only their personal growth but how their relationship developed in tandem. It was a beautiful progression, where both characters learned to trust, forgive, and ultimately love with full hearts.

And the happily ever after—oh, it was simply perfect. It wasn’t just a quick resolution but a genuine conclusion that felt earned. By the end of the book, I was left with such a warm, contented feeling. The couple's love story was fulfilling and heartfelt, and the resolution left me with a smile that lasted long after I closed the book. It was the kind of happily ever after that makes you believe in the power of love and reminds you that some stories truly are worth the wait.

I absolutely loved A Rulebook for Restless Rogues🩷🩷 Especially how it dives into David and Noah’s bond, which started all the way back in boarding school. There's just something so special about childhood friends-to-lovers stories, especially when they’re full of angsty moments and subtle pining like this one. The flashbacks to their school days were such a sweet touch, making their connection feel even deeper. And if you’re into historical queer romance but sometimes struggle with how realistic it feels, rest assured—Everlee totally nails it here. The way David owns his bisexuality and Noah explores his gender expression, especially through his drag persona, feels so genuine and layered, yet also sensitive to the 1880s setting.

This book really brought everything I love about historical queer romance: heartfelt characters, careful historical detail, and a relationship that’s complex and real. David and Noah’s journey is full of yearning and growth, making it an emotional but incredibly satisfying read. 5/5 ⭐️

This book started with an interesting premise, but unfortunately, the characters didn't grab me and the plot creeped along at a snail's pace. By the 30% mark, we've barely been introduced to the main conflict, and although I'd really like to see where the characters end up, I felt like a lot of the flashbacks were too long, too detailed in ways that didn't advance the plot, and also had me missing their present-day relationship and where they were going from there. Wish an editor had a tighter hand with this!

4,5 stars

A queer historical friends to lovers romance? yes please.

I fell in love with these two dumbasses when I first read the five chapter sample of this book on here, and my love for them has only continued to grow.
I connected with Noah immediately, and he continues to be my favourite, though I grew attached to David as well, and the supporting cast was well fleshed out and equally loveable. (and there are sapphic and trans characters!!)

Some critique I've seen in other reviews was how the mystery aspect of the plot wasn't explored enough. I personally disagree with this, as I think it's important to note that this book is primarily a romance, and the focus lies on the characters and their flaws, struggles, feelings. I might be a bit biased here because I love character focused books, but I really enjoyed this aspect of the book as well as the balance between this and the rest of the plot, including the pacing.

The romance itself was so heart-warming and beautiful, friends to lovers continues to be on of my favourite tropes, and Everlee does a very good job at executing it. There were occasional flashback chapters to their shared years in boarding school, and the time that passed between then and the present, which helped connect to them and their relationship to each other further. I don't want to give away too much, so I suggest you go read it yourself, but know that I had much fun watching the plot unravel.

(One of my personal favourite things is that Noah does drag and there's a specific smut scene where he's half in drag.)

Note: I hadn't read the first book prior to reading this one (i have now), but I didn't have any problems understanding it, so I can safely confirm that it can be read as a standalone. I do like when side characters in one book appear as main characters in another, so I would recommend reading both (and the third one when it comes out this year) though if you don't mind minor spoilers I don't think it matters in which order they're read.

3 stars, recommend. I enjoyed this book, although it felt just a bit too fantastical at times. Without giving too much away, one of the two main characters comes up with a plan that didn't make much sense, and later, the other main character comes up with an even crazier plan. I'm guessing that this wouldn't be a distraction for most readers and especially Jess Everlee fans, but it all strained credulity more than necessary. However, the book was charming throughout and especially at the end, so what do I know?

Part of my reading of this book was through a digital ARC but I also listened to the audiobook. Excellent narration, except for one quibble: the voice of "Emily," Noah's sister, was simply awful! I can't understand why, when other women's voices were more reasonably presented by the male narrator, who otherwise, I quite enjoyed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I feel like this one is a little bit more cohesive than the first one. We get a little bit more backstory and a little bit more understanding of where these characters are coming from. I will almost always love a friends to lovers over a stranger still lovers so this book had that going for it. I did like it but I forgot most of it and like 4 days. I will be reading the next book though.

I was very excited for this one because it's a queer historical romance. What's not to like? Unfortunately, there was just something about the writing style/ voice of this one that just didn't click for me and I just didn't care for it much.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Somehow this book got lost in the shuffle for me but now that I've read it I am going to read everything I can find by the author. Her characters have depth and there is some real heat between them. I also enjoyed the narrator's voice. Will definitely recommend this title.

As a romance reader I enjoying reading books that our inclusive. I don’t require my romance to be MF. I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into more queer books as I have become a more diverse reader. The author really brought the world of 1885 London to life. David and Noah lived in a very difficult world and it is beautiful to see that representation on the pages of a Victorian romance novel. I had not read book one of this series before reading this book. I will be going back!

This was just a lot of fun to read! I loved being back in that world and with characters I already adore! It was so great to see David and Noah's relationship and why they were so close in the first book! Pining idiots the both of them!! There is so much great representation in this book that makes me so happy to see especially in a Vctorian age book!

the lucky lovers of london series has a special place in my heart, mainly bc of how lovely and tender these characters are. i fell in love with the first book and shouted about it a bit on instagram, and now i get to review the sequel!

i already enjoyed david and noah as side characters from book one, and they get beautifully fleshed out here. there’s a great balance of a few flashbacks to establish their connection while also keeping the reader in the present moment where everything changes for them. the romance here is one of my favorite examples of my favorite tropes, and it was a delight to read.

i now eagerly await the following book in the series—especially since jo was another excellent side character that i would love to explore. not to mention the found family of it all. if this book sounds at all in your wheelhouse, i highly rec checking this series out.

5 stars

It’s always a wonderful experience when the sequel out does the original, and this series is just growing from strength to strength! I truly adore this couple but also getting to revisit characters we originally met and loved from the first book. I cannot recommend the series enough with a beautiful balance of Victorian history and queer romance.

This book was amazing. However, I was unable to finish it due to unexpected events. I am very sad to say that it is my first DNF of the year.

I so completely loved this M/M historical romance filled with angst and emotion and missed opportunities and passion, with two main characters that are both irresistibly appealing. David and Noah may take forever to recognize and admit that they are perfect for each other, but they get there in the end, and their journey is well worth the wait. Highly recommended.

Jess Everlee write funs regency romps with a queer focus. I've really been enjoying this series and I look forward to reading more from them in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. This was a second in the series but it read perfectly fine as a standalone. I loved both of the MC's so much. They were so sweet and tender and I couldnt get enough!!! I have never read a Jess Everlee book before but now I cannot wait to read more!!

Jess Everlee is back at it again with another delightful historical romance set once again in late 1800's England. This book focuses on David Forester, proprietor of the Curious Fox underground queer club, and his best friend Noah Clarke, aka Penelope Primrose.

This is a beautiful second chance romance story that was also a lot of fun, filled with some hijinks, a mystery and two really sweet and beautiful characters. It's hard to believe this is Everlee's sophomore book because it feels like she has been doing this for a lot longer.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved these two friends, can't wait to see where Everlee takes us next.

This book was a great combination of sultry and storytelling and I think that both aspects enhanced the other. Would definitely recommend

I really enjoyed this childhood best friends idiots to lovers story. The plot was happening sort of in the background, but that was ok. It was fun to see Noah and David *finally* admit their feelings to one another. I always enjoy a good idiots to lovers story.

Even though I really enjoyed it, I never felt 100% invested. Like I was invested, but at the same time the story felt a little lacking. Like it could have used a little more plot or something.

The plot wrapped up rather suddenly, with a lot happening off-page, and it wasn't entirely satisfying. I wish it hadn't been such a sudden drop from 'everything is falling apart' to 'warm and cozy ending.'

The audiobook narrator did a good job with the characters for the most part, although there were some rather atrocious "women's" voices (absurdly high and nasally). Luckily(?) there weren't many women in the story and they had few speaking parts.

Overall though it was fun and enjoyable to go back to The Fox and meet up with familiar characters.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Adores for providing an early copy for review.