Honestly the best out of the series, by a very long shot. The most polished of all the novels, with the best dynamic, and a really great plot and excellent pacing. It's funny, it's sweet, it's gut-clenching, it's really enjoyable. And if you're thinking you need to read "Magic in Manhattan" first... I honestly don't think you have to. Minor spoilers: there's an infodump of a vague summary of book 3 at the start of the book, and that's probably enough to last you? The plot otherwise largely stands on its own.

This book benefited from the lessons learned for book 3. Like 3, it's short, perhaps shorter than even 3, and it doesn't waste the time it's given, removing the slog problems books 1-3 had in varying degrees (particularly 2). It does pop up at one brief point near the end, but overall, the pacing is a highlight of this. It's action-packed but not overwhelming, the characters are always interacting in fun ways, and when characters are alone it's fun introspective moments. It's excellent.

I think one thing she nailed is the arrogance Europeans and other other former European colonies have towards Americans. This isn't me being like "how dare people criticize America" so much as "certain Europeans and people who heavily borrow from European culture sure do have some weird hang-ups about slight language differences that are often the product of colonialism."

I also adore Wesley. Sebastian is lovely, but Wesley is my favorite. He's admittedly a character archetype I always adore, but this is a wonderful version of it, prickles and all.

My biggest criticism is something people who just go right to this one won't notice, but it's... not great if you're reading the trilogy first. There's a point where Jade is trying to talk down Wesley from attacking Sebastian for kidnapping Rory. To mollify Jade that things are different, she explains that Jade and Arthur have forgiven Sebastian. At no point does Jade explain that Rory and Sebastian are friends now. You could argue this is because Jade assumes Wesley hates Rory and still has a thing for Arthur, so naturally Jade is appealing to his good opinion of people he likes: Jade and Arthur. But it's... bizarre? Especially when it's like... why does it matter that Arthur "forgives" Sebastian? Arthur wasn't kidnapped or threatened by Sebastian (at the incident Wesley knows about). Rory isn't his property. It's a simple thing that I imagine was kept out because it meant Wesley wouldn't listen, which would lead to him destroying the first painting, and then getting kidnapped by Mercier. But it's... not good. A blemish in an otherwise excellent story.

An absolutely fantastic novel. I was hesitant after the trilogy, but I am definitely interested in seeing where Therin goes from here. ( )

Proper Scoundrels is a superlative read by Allie Therin, and has completely restored my faith in m/m romance after a year of being a little soured on them overall. For the sake of complete transparency, this is the only book I've read in this universe by Therin, and it's my first book by Allie Therin, and I didn't feel like I missed a single thing coming into this series with this novel.

Sebastian de Leon and Wesley Fine are wonderfully written characters. Sebastian as the 'dangerous marshmallow' and Wesley as the crabby, hilarious, 'soft to his staff but very much a straight talker.' I found both of these characters well-drawn and immensely likeable, even with their flaws. These characters had clear growth arcs, which of itself was really satisfying. The softening of Wesley, and the increasing honesty of Sebastian, allowed these two characters to grow together, and to grow *for* each other, which was deftly done.

The story itself was fast paced and well-structured, really enjoyable. There was a really great building of suspense and tension between the villains and our main characters, alongside the building of chemistry and tension between Wesley and Sebastian. Often when we got a chance to rest from encountering 'the bad guys,' Therin would use that quieter moment to build the sexual and personal chemistry between Wesley and Sebastian instead.

This book is by turns very serious, treating the subject of PTSD (shell shock as it's accurately referred to in the book, given the time period) with compassion and thoughtfulness, and then hilarious. The characters get wonderful lines of dialogue, and each shines in their own way. There are moments in the book which will just stay with me, from the way Fine behaves with regards to Powderpuff, to Sebastian's love for his friends and family, to what it means that Wesley can see a certain tattoo.

The magic in this universe was really interestingly thought out, and I think revealed in a really interesting way, that didn't feel overly expository or info-dumpy. The villains were interesting and fascinating in their own ways, and no character felt like a cardboard cut out.

Allie Therin is new to me, but I'm about to chase down everything of hers that she's ever written. So grateful for this review copy. And I'd recommend this to anyone who wants their faith in magic and love restored a little, and who wants to believe in a good old-fashioned high-stakes romance with a lovely side of hurt/comfort to boot. ( )

If I could rate this book 10000/10, I would. I loved it so much. ( )

I got to read the NetGalley ARC! Here's my review!

Sebastian is a worrying delight, and Westley is beyond grumpy. The hunt they're forced into is scary and creepy. To understand this world, you need to read the first two books, but it's well worth it, trust me.

Applicable tags: historical, slow burn, m/m, magic, danger, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, PTSD ( )

This book was so much fun. I am so glad Lord Fine and Sebastian are getting another book. Side characters in Allie Therin's previous (excellent) trilogy, Wesley and Sebastian could have easily faded into the background, but instead we get to dig into their pasts and see them grow and learn to love each themselves and each other.

Plus magic, kittens, only one bed, and a trip to Yorkshire. I can't wait to pre-order book two. ( )