An Unnatural Vice is the second book in K.J. Charles’ Sins of the Cities series of Victorian-era m/m historical romance novels. I’ve read several of Charles’ other books, but this is the first book that I’ve read from this series.

Nathaniel is a journalist, and initially, he visits spiritual medium Justin with the intent of exposing him. Instead, Nathaniel is shocked with Justin is able to tell him things that he couldn’t possibly know. Nathaniel walks away frustrated, still convinced that it’s trickery, but now knowing how to prove it. He hopes that this is the last that he will see of the sham spiritualist, but then he learns that Justin may have some information about a case that he and his friends have been investigating.

Justin is quite different from Nathaniel. He grew up in abject poverty, and he justifies his occupation by believing that he is giving people what they want. And besides, it pays the bills and keeps him and his assistants fed. He finds Nathaniel arrogant, but there is a mutual attraction that neither of them can deny.

By the time that they realize that one of Justin’s seemingly innocuous visits may be a crucial clue, they also learn that there are people who are willing to kill in order to possess that information.

This was a wonderful book. I didn’t feel too lost coming into the series in the middle of things, and I love the way that the tension between Nathaniel and Justin slowly builds. This is ‘enemies to lovers’ at its finest, and I am definitely here for it!

I would absolutely recommend An Unnatural Vice. You should probably read the first book in the series before this one, but as I’ve said, you can pick up the relationship between the characters pretty easily. Charles has put a lot of work into the historical background; the book is peppered with little details. I’ve read a few books about Victorian-era spiritualists, and it’s a fascinating subject. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series- Charles is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!