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amyteurhour's review against another edition
3.5
Content warning: homophobia, outing, classism, racism, violence, death, infidelity, neglect, abandonment, child abuse, sexism, sexual assault, kidnapping, torture
This was super steamy from the get-go. I thought the two main protagonists were likable and easy to root for. The last quarter was super tense, but it kind of ends rather abruptly.
This was super steamy from the get-go. I thought the two main protagonists were likable and easy to root for. The last quarter was super tense, but it kind of ends rather abruptly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Child abuse, Kidnapping, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Outing, Abandonment, Classism, and Death
elliott_roi's review
4.5
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a sweet and spicy tale full of danger, both physical and emotional. I adored all the characters and their complexities, and the mystery kept me engaged throughout.
I went into this book not knowing anything about it except that it was by KJ Charles and I would recommend doing the same. But for those okay with more details, here is my full review:
This book is best described as a historical romance between a baronet with daddy issues and a smuggler with a heart of gold. I loved how immediately Gareth and Joss were drawn to each other, but still taking their time to figure out how to be truly vulnerable and to lean on one another.
KJ Charles always writes the perfect balance of spice, mystery, and truly heartfelt moments. There is also lovely humour woven throughout the story, which I always appreciate, especially to lighten some of the tougher topics.
Fans of historical fiction, mystery, and queer romance will appreciate this well-crafted story about two men trying to find themselves and each other in a world that is harsh and dangerous. I highly recommend The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen for your next read as you wander the Marsh hunting for beetles (or true love).
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a sweet and spicy tale full of danger, both physical and emotional. I adored all the characters and their complexities, and the mystery kept me engaged throughout.
I went into this book not knowing anything about it except that it was by KJ Charles and I would recommend doing the same. But for those okay with more details, here is my full review:
This book is best described as a historical romance between a baronet with daddy issues and a smuggler with a heart of gold. I loved how immediately Gareth and Joss were drawn to each other, but still taking their time to figure out how to be truly vulnerable and to lean on one another.
KJ Charles always writes the perfect balance of spice, mystery, and truly heartfelt moments. There is also lovely humour woven throughout the story, which I always appreciate, especially to lighten some of the tougher topics.
Fans of historical fiction, mystery, and queer romance will appreciate this well-crafted story about two men trying to find themselves and each other in a world that is harsh and dangerous. I highly recommend The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen for your next read as you wander the Marsh hunting for beetles (or true love).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Child abuse, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Torture, and Outing
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy
erynlasbelin's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Gareth Inglis, unwanted child turned dismissed law clerk, unexpectedly inherits his absent father's title and country estate. Tench House is situated in Romney Marsh, a remote wetland not-so-secretly controlled by smuggling gangs. Much to Gareth's surprise, his local area is under the control of the Doomsday clan, led by none other than his one-time lover.
Joss Doomsday is confident, charming, and eminently reasonable - and on the Marsh, his word is as good as law. But he is eager to avoid Gareth, who once spurned him in a fit of melancholy. At least until Gareth unwittingly puts his sister's freedom at stake. As the dust of this treacherous first encounter settles and the two form an unlikely partnership, peril encroaches on them from all sides.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is an adventurous Regency romance populated by swashbuckling smugglers as well as prickly high society. It is also somewhat of a naturalist's book; Gareth's explorations out on the Marsh taught me a surprising amount about the great diving beetle. There are stolen fortunes, dangerous missions under cover of night, a lady scandalously wearing trousers, and murders to boot. But the real heart of the book lies in healing trauma and finding love (in partners as well as family). Gareth and Joss are shaped by their experiences, by their loved ones, and by their relationship to one another, and the end of the book finds them better situated for happiness than they've ever been before.
Joss Doomsday is confident, charming, and eminently reasonable - and on the Marsh, his word is as good as law. But he is eager to avoid Gareth, who once spurned him in a fit of melancholy. At least until Gareth unwittingly puts his sister's freedom at stake. As the dust of this treacherous first encounter settles and the two form an unlikely partnership, peril encroaches on them from all sides.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is an adventurous Regency romance populated by swashbuckling smugglers as well as prickly high society. It is also somewhat of a naturalist's book; Gareth's explorations out on the Marsh taught me a surprising amount about the great diving beetle. There are stolen fortunes, dangerous missions under cover of night, a lady scandalously wearing trousers, and murders to boot. But the real heart of the book lies in healing trauma and finding love (in partners as well as family). Gareth and Joss are shaped by their experiences, by their loved ones, and by their relationship to one another, and the end of the book finds them better situated for happiness than they've ever been before.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Outing, Abandonment, Cursing, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity, Murder, Grief, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Classism, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Gun violence, Rape, Confinement, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Stalking
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