It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian

It Takes Two to Tumble (Seducing the Sedgwicks, #1)

by Cat Sebastian

Some of Ben Sedgwick’s favorite things:

  • Helping his poor parishioners
  • Baby animals
  • Shamelessly flirting with the handsome Captain Phillip Dacre

 After an unconventional upbringing, Ben is perfectly content with the quiet, predictable life of a country vicar, free of strife or turmoil. When he’s asked to look after an absent naval captain’s three wild children, he reluctantly agrees, but instantly falls for the hellions. And when their stern but gloriously handsome father arrives, Ben is tempted in ways that make him doubt everything.

Some of Phillip Dacre’s favorite things:

  • His ship
  • People doing precisely as they're told
  • Touching the irresistible vicar at every opportunity

 Phillip can’t wait to leave England’s shores and be back on his ship, away from the grief that haunts him. But his children have driven off a succession of governesses and tutors and he must set things right. The unexpected presence of the cheerful, adorable vicar sets his world on its head and now he can’t seem to live without Ben’s winning smiles or devastating kisses.

In the midst of runaway children, a plot to blackmail Ben’s family, and torturous nights of pleasure, Ben and Phillip must decide if a safe life is worth losing the one thing that makes them come alive.  

Reviewed by Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

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I've read all Cat Sebastian's novels and she is one of only a few go-to authors I always read. This first book in the Seducing The Sedgwicks is a highly anticipated M/M romance and a new favourite.

Widower, Captain Phillip Dacre prefers spending his time sailing the world at the helm of his ship Patroclus, than at home. So when news of chaos at Barton Hall, Cumberland reaches him, he's not looking forward to going back and spending time with his children whilst his ship is in dry dock for two months. To his dismay, his children's behaviour is worse than he thought but surprised and unhappy they respect and trust the local vicar who stepped in to temporarily take care of them. In addition, this man awakens desires he's tried to bury along with his grief creating a dilemma, when he'll soon leave again for his ship?

Benedict 'Ben' Sedgwick is vicar at St. Aelred's parish church in Kirkby Barton and betrothed to Miss Alice Crawford. He enjoys his chosen vocation and associated work so, when he's asked to try to keep the children of Captain Dacre under control, he's happy to oblige. With news of the impending return of Captain Dacre, he views tutoring the children a temporary necessity to keep them from wreaking havoc in the village. Only, when their father returns, it ignites a desire he's trying to suppress and this makes him realise he can't continue with his current life choices.

Even without knowing the Sound of Music link, this novel has a wonderful feel-good wholesomeness about it, complete with farmyard animals. I'm not a fan of children in adult books, but the author manages to weave them effortlessly within the narrative to keep them relevant within the tentative relationship between the captain and the vicar. Christopher Plummer in Captain von Trapp mode is a perfect visual for Phillip Dacre especially when we witness his tough outer façade crack to reveal a caring and compassionate man. Ben shows an admiral inner strength of knowing what's right by sticking to his principles to achieve what he desires. Their coupling is both explicit and romantic as both confess their limited physical experience, leading them to share new experiences together. It's charming, sexy and heart-warming.

This novel isn't as gritty and worldly as the author's previous works but retains the same effortless charm and attention to detail I love about her work. The supporting cast is a colourful bunch of well rounded, fun and entertaining characters and I particularly loved Ben's father and his forthright manner.

If you enjoy historical romance and M/M romances and haven't discovered Cat Sebastian, It Takes Two To Tumble is a great place to start. I know, I can't wait for the next instalment in this series.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon via Edelweiss+***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 December, 2017: Finished reading
  • 10 December, 2017: Reviewed