Peter Cabot Gets Lost (The Cabots)

This review applies to each of the three in this series about members of three generations of the Cabot clan of Massachusetts, who are wealthy and politically successful. No, it doesn't even touch what you might have expected--it's not about THAT political family from Massachusetts.

But Tommy, Peter and Daniel, the three main characters that author Cat Sebastian present to us turn out to be more interesting than you might expect, and their stories are a total departure from those you might have imagined for the decades in which they are set.

This is an extraordinary series, beautifully written, historically accurate, and one that if you like the first one you are likely to get the other two, pronto.

Bravo!

I read a lot of books in this genre and this is a real standout for me. The characters are so well drawn and the way they fall in love is so real and relatable. Cat Sebastian manages to explore their insecurities with humor and without angst. The steamy scenes are nice and steamy but also tender and advance the plot. This book is a warm hug. Read it!

This is the softest, kindest, most gentle book in all the right ways. It’s a lovely romance, which is great and why I picked it up. But it’s also about striking out on your own, feeling adrift in your life and figuring out how to create autonomy and make decisions for yourself. It’s about class differences and self sufficiency and learning to accept kindness without guilt. It’s about setting boundaries and creating your own self worth. I saw so much of myself in both Peter and Caleb at different points, I think I highlighted half the book.

Sometimes I don’t highlight much of a book when I read it on my Kindle because otherwise, I’d end up highlighting the entire text. This is often the case with Sebastian’s work for me. I thoroughly enjoy her narrative voice and turns of phrase, which always immerse me in whatever time period she writes in. And even that is secondary to the amazing characters she creates, with their unique and dynamic personalities that shine off the page.

Peter and Caleb do not plan their road trip together from Boston to Los Angeles. Though Caleb has a destination and deadline, Peter wants nothing more than to leave his oppressive family behind. Along the way, Caleb realizes that his original goals for his new life in California might get some adjustment, and Peter comes to terms with the life he wants for himself without the weight of expectation.

Thanks to the forced proximity element of their travels, it’s a bit of a love story on an accelerated timeline. I did appreciate that the “we’re both gay” reveal isn’t made much of a big deal. Though there is an element of Caleb “teaching” Peter about being gay (both in bed and out of it), those moments become part of the developing relationship and serve to highlight the differences in Peter and Caleb’s personalities and personal histories.

The finale could have been much heavier on the angst, but Sebastian instead gives us a happily ever after that is suited to the overall sweet tone of the story. I devoured this delightful novel in a single evening, and I can’t help the grin on my face as I write about these amazing characters now.

Ok first off, both Peter and Caleb are the sweetest most lovable cinnamon rolls and deserve all the happiness forever and ever.

Second, I love how Cat Sebastian approaches so many topics that are important to us today but in a setting where they weren’t very openly or widely discussed. Socioeconomic status and privilege, uneven power dynamics and the feelings of obligation they create, and consent and boundaries all play as large a part in the book as the love story itself and I love that.

The awareness the characters have may seem a little anachronistic in theory but the way she writes, it’s completely believable. Peter Cabot is a good man and likes to take care of people, as Caleb discovers. So it’s not at all hard to believe he would worry about how Caleb feels about his actions during their trip together. Honestly, their mutual concern and care for one another is my favorite thing. This isn’t the first book I’ve read where one character intuitively understands what the other needs and provides it willingly. But they are few and far between and it’s seriously one of my favorite things. When a character unquestioningly accepts their partner’s quirks and needs and gets on with things with an air of “this is how we work as a couple”, it’s the best thing ever.

Low angst, high heat, and wonderful two cinnamon rolls. It doesn’t get better than that. There is so much heart and humor in this, I’m so glad I read it. Now I’m going to have to read the first one.

Ohhhh this was so sweet 💕 I've found I really love books about road trips through the US. And this was perfect! I related a lot to Caleb, coming from a similar background. My heart goes out to him 🥺💕

Also, this is definitely the smuttiest Cat Sebastian book I've read to date. Which, well, this is one of her indie titles instead of a tradpub one, so I understand and appreciate 😁💕 She writes it so emotional and full of FEELING that I just get immersed in the characters' connection. So good!! 💖