This was a nice solid historical novel - rough people working tough jobs in a really tough town. Plus there is drug smuggling and murders to solve! The main characters are complicated and not always likeable. I sometimes have a hard time with unlikeable characters, but this fits perfectly into the tough world the story is set in. I will say I went in expecting one type of romance and that didn't quite get that - that's on me. Stacy Gonzalez did a great job narrating and keeping the pace of the story. I had not read the first novel and I didn't find my self lost in this one. I'm sure reading the other book would fill me in on the world and more of the Alma/Jack story, but there was plenty of character information and setting present in this story to hold its own. Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

While I did not know the book was a sequel when I first requested it once I realized it was I stopped and read the first in order to make sure I was not missing any important context. That being said after reading both books I can say that the first is not required to enjoy the second and I do think I enjoyed the second one more than the first. Overall I found the book to be interesting and the plot hooked me. I liked the representation that Alma brought though at times I didn’t feel as connected to her as I wish I did. Overall I found the book to be enjoyable read and I have recommended it to a friend who I think would enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

While the specific historical premise was interesting, the execution was entirely soulless and I couldn't care about any of the characters. The audiobook narrator couldn't save this dry narrative with entirely too much posturing.

Katrina Carrasco's Rough Trade is technically a sequel to The Best Bad Things, though both novels can definitely stand alone.

Set in the 19th Century, Carrasco's world is filled with interesting characters and a ton of drama. The plot is complex.

The audio version of Rough Trade is nicely performed by Stacy Gonzalez.

Gritty and dark, this novel follows two main perspectives through a drug-riddled world. Queer and gripping, this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats!

Rough Trade really scratched my swashbuckle-y, lady bruiser itch. Alma, who is only known as Jack Camp in Tacoma, runs a comprehensive "transportation outfit" that almost exclusively deals with illegal trade. She navigates lawmen, lovers, traitors, journalists, criminals, and old friends, all of whom expect something from her, all while in disguise.

I loved all of the characters, especially the brothers, and could feel the pressure Alma was under to manage her identities and responsibilities. While there were some references to the previous book, I had no idea this was the second book in a series until I came to write my review. I will definitely go back and read the first title and continue the series.

Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators and she didn't disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book! Even though I did not know it was the second of a series, book one is not required reading to fully understanding and enjoying this book, but I know I will certainly be picking up a copy of it as soon as I can!
I enjoyed the fact that most characters were queer, and it wasn't a big deal. The romance scenes were the perfect level of graphic - nothing over the top, but still enough to be exciting!
I appreciated the dual perspective between Alma and Ben, even though the entire story is told in third person. The narrator did a great job at bringing the characters to life, and had excellent pacing.

I didn't realize when I started this that it was the second in a series, so it took me a moment to adjust to how quickly it throws you into the action and characters. Once I settled in a bit, I was really captivated by this and didn't feel the loss from not reading the first installment. I absolutely looooove Alma-- she's so brutal and I appreciate that she has more complex ideas about her own gender when she presents male than these stories sometimes engage with. Her relationship with Bess is so compelling. Everything with Ben also worked extremely well for me-- I loved his journey and obviously the dual POV allows for some really fun secrecy. This time period combined with the crime elements made this a thrilling ride! I will probably end up reading more of this series.

This book kept reminding me of Tombstone, which is one of my favorite movies, so I was having a blast.

Alma Rosales, former Pinkerton now living in Tacoma as the rugged door smuggler Jack Camp, faces an infamous lawman, an old flame, and a sinister mystery!

First of all, I loved the dynamics of Alma/Jack’s crew; the bonds of loyalty and brotherhood were clearly telegraphed & made to feel like they actually had weight on the decisions of every character. My favorite friendship was probably between Alma & Dos Santos, because I have a soft spot for seeing people gossip in Spanish. The complex & messy relationships were so refreshing to see outside of a het/white context, and I appreciated how the characters were given space to be imperfect and in the wrong without being disavowed.

My favorite thing about the book was the incredible sense of time and place that was present in every chapter from beginning to end. Often these things will be established at the beginning when the setting is being defined, and then backburner’d until it becomes plot relevant again. This especially can happen in sequels because it’s assumed that the reader is already familiar with the setting. But Carrasco is really good at cementing her story, and therefore her readers, into 1888 Tacoma.

I would have liked to see more development in the romance between Adriel and Ben, especially since it’s pretty plot-relevant. It seemed quite rushed, even more so when juxtaposed with Alma & Bess’s will-they-won’t-they. I also felt the pacing got a bit weird toward the end, and there were one or two extra chapters dealing with the resolution, but that may be on purpose to give a sense of openness that can lead to future installments.

An enjoyable adventure, engaging queer romances, and a twisty mystery— overall, a great read!

Thanks to NetGalley & RBMedia for providing me with advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.