Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles

[spindizzy]

Will Darling came back from the Great War with a few scars, a lot of medals, and no idea what to do next. Inheriting his uncle’s chaotic second-hand bookshop is a blessing...until strange visitors start making threats. First a criminal gang, then the War Office, both telling Will to give them the information they want, or else.
Will has no idea what that information is, and nobody to turn to, until Kim Secretan—charming, cultured, oddly attractive—steps in to offer help. As Kim and Will try to find answers and outrun trouble, mutual desire grows along with the danger.
And then Will discovers the truth about Kim. His identity, his past, his real intentions. Enraged and betrayed, Will never wants to see him again.
But Will possesses knowledge that could cost thousands of lives. Enemies are closing in on him from all sides—and Kim is the only man who can help.

Will Darling came back from World War I with a box of medals, a trench knife, and no hope of getting a job. Fortunately for him, he's inherited his uncle's bookshop! Unfortunately for him, that comes with the War Office and secret societies barging into his life demanding information that he's never heard of. Good thing his new friend Kim Secretan is willing to step in and help him find his way out of this mess!

Or, in shorter news: KJ Charles has written more pulp adventures and I am ecstatic.

Review posted at Lady Business!

[Caution warnings: imprisonment, knowing adultery; references to a pandemic, gas attacks, and an off-screen attempted sexual assault] [This review is based on an ARC from the author]