I wish I could say I loved this book. I was so excited by the description of this book because I thought it would be right up my alley, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to the hype for me. The first half was extremely hard to get through. I almost put it down and stopped reading all together several times. The characters weren’t loveable and I just feel like it took a long time to get anywhere in the plot. The second half did redeem itself once the action begin. It held my attention and I did find myself rooting for the characters. I wish I could have felt that the whole way through.

In some romance novels, the love story overshadows everything else. But in this book, the plot and the setting grabbed my attention as much as the romance did, which made for a completely satisfying read. I loved it!

The plot, which revolves around smuggling in an area of England known as Romney Marsh, has an element of mystery to it. One of the leads, Joss Doomsday, is the head of his family’s smuggling operation. His love interest, Gareth, comes to the Marsh when he inherits his estranged father’s title and property. Gareth has no intention of getting involved in the trade himself, but unfortunately, that’s easier said than done in a place where smuggling is a way of life. When a group of rival free traders threatens Gareth’s family, he and Joss must figure out why Gareth has become a target.

Their attempts to do so are complicated by Gareth being “outmarsh,” an outsider to life on Romney Marsh, which as described in the novel seems like a fascinating corner of England. The thinly populated and desolate marshlands are the perfect environment for smuggling, which is a profession for most of its residents. The people who live on the Marsh seem alien to Gareth, who struggles to understand their mores and even their words. But in following in his father’s footsteps as a budding naturalist, Gareth comes to love the spare beauty of the marsh and the creatures that live there, even as he’s also falling in love with Joss.

Which brings me to the lovely romance at the heart of the book. On the face of it, Joss and Gareth don’t belong together. Gareth is a wealthy, educated baronet, and Joss is common as muck, not to mention engaged in an illegal trade. At a deeper level, though, they’re a perfect match. Gareth’s father abandoned him to his uncle’s less-than-tender care when he was six, and he’s been made to feel like an unwanted burden all his life. Joss has all the burdens of being the head of both his family and their business, the person everyone else goes to with their problems. What both Gareth and Joss need is someone who will stand by their side providing unconditional support and love, and they find that in each other. The way each of them cares for the other and the delight they find in being together had me swooning, while all their bantering kept me laughing, too.

This book is just terrific, well deserving of the attention it has been getting. I’ve been a fan of KJ Charles for years, and it’s great to see her excellent writing reach a wider audience. I can’t wait for the second in the Doomsday series, and whatever else she has planned—I’ll be reading!

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Gareth Inglis and Joss Doomsday meet in a London pub which is frequented by men looking for discreet encounters with other men. While they are immediately attracted to each other and enjoy a few spicy romantic encounters, they don't even know each other's real names—they go by the geographical pseudonyms "London" and "Kent." Gareth rudely dismisses Joss when he suggests meeting up again in the future, and they part on bad terms.

When Gareth winds up moving to Kent after his estranged father dies, it doesn't take long for his path to cross with that of Joss. However, their lives couldn't be more different—Gareth is a newly minted baronet, and Joss is the head of an unwieldy clan of smugglers, who take advantage of the coastal access and the impenetrable-to-outsiders Romney Marsh to ply their trade.

It turns out that Gareth's father may have been involved in some shady dealings, while Joss's uncle's carelessness and taste for drink is threatening to harm the Doomsday family's position as the county's premier smugglers. The two meet up again, and despite their mutual ambivalence, the wild attraction that brought them together is still very much alive.

There is a LOT of family drama in this book, with plenty of bad actors on both sides to root against. The best things about "Secret Lives" are the great sense of place (Romney Marsh is real, and was "a smuggler's paradise from the 1600s into the 1800," according to Wikipedia) and the sweet relationship between Joss and Gareth. The marsh is described as being very much its own place with its own rules, so a HEA for these two men actually seems joyfully plausible, even in the early 19th century.

After the high praise I felt for the 1920’s era Will Darling Adventures trilogy, I couldn’t keep my anticipation under wraps when I spotted another KJ Charles series set in Regency Napoleonic era rural Kent with another pair of unlikely opposites from different classes. No surprise I devoured it in two sittings.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen introduces prickly Sir Gareth Inglis and laconic and mysterious Joss Doomsday when they have an explosive shocking reunion in a magistrate’s courtroom no less. The pair had met under more clandestine circumstances using aliases when in London. Gareth’s a new baronet and doesn’t look kindly on the smuggling trade in the area of which Joss is the leader. But, then the mysteries start to come up.

As I indicated earlier, this is an opposites- class difference romance set against a lush and vibrant historical setting in the marsh and coastal countryside. The nation is at war and London is not even a day’s ride away. The marsh is an isolated world of its own and a naturalist’s paradise, but also the ideal locale for prime smuggling with the coastal access and hidden paths through the marsh.

Gareth comes to this place as an unwanted and under-appreciated law clerk, now baronet, dealing with family surprises and oddities all around him. He yearns for Joss even when circumstances occur that place them as near enemies. He’s so lonely and unsure, but starts to come into his own as realizes this is his chance to make his own way finally. At first, I thought he was a priggish cranky sort, but then his past is laid out and my heart leaped in and started cheering him on.

Joss’ situation is very different. He grew up with a tough situation and carries the weight of family and all the community on him with lazy charming smile hiding how much it is costing him. Gareth is his secret and only time he can lay aside his responsibilities and just be himself. I enjoyed seeing him protective of Gareth, but more so when he learned to let Gareth get close and be there for him. There were so many close calls for this pair whether it was attacks from those who think Gareth knows something or threats that they might be outed.

Strong action, suspense, and mystery as well as family and spicy hot romance all blend together to make this a well-layered story that was a feast for the imagination and emotions. It starts a series, but this first book wrapped things up neatly when it came to growth of character, relationships, and suspense. I’m not sure if there will be further adventures for Joss and Gareth or if new characters from the larger cast will get their tale.

All in all, it was abso-fab and just the sort of historical adventure-filled male romance I’ve come to appreciate from KJ Charles. I highly recommend this one

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for 19th century romance in all stripes and this fit the bill. Not only were Gareth and Joss good main characters but the book had non-romantic plot. I prefer my romance books to have a least a semblance of external plot and this book definitely had it with the smuggling plot lines.

Honestly, if you like 19th century romances, you'll like this.

I adore this book. It’s an addictive story that takes place in a time I’ve read about a hundred times before but in a setting that was completely new and fresh. It’s so lush, with characters that are multi-dimensional and lovable. Even minor characters were so full - it’s easy to imagine them going about their days in this beautiful setting. I love that the challenges the characters faced were more than just their sexuality in a time period that wasn’t accepting. It’s a historical romance that just so happens to feature LGBT+ main characters rather than a LGBT+ historical romance where the entire plot is their being gay.

You know that trope where someone meets a stranger and has a great time with them—maybe they stay up all night talking, or they hit it off at a bar and go home together, or have some grand one-night-only adventure—and then soon after they discover that, that stranger is their new boss, or their friend's younger sibling, or somebodies fiancé?

The Secret Lives starts with a setup like that, and then before you know it this historical romance has evolved into a thoughtful exploration of family, class, what's just versus what's lawful, and the beauty of the natural world. This book has so much wonderful storytelling, perfectly wrapped in a fun packaging of trope-y misunderstandings, smugglers, buried treasure, and fish out of water. All in a beautiful gothic setting!

Over the last year, KJ Charles has become one of my favorite romance authors and this is an excellent addition to her body of work. Highly recommend it and eagerly awaiting the next book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This book was a delight in so many ways. This was my first KJ Charles book, but it will definitely not be my last. Gareth and Joss have a fling in London, but reconnect when Gareth inherits a country estate when his father dies. Joss is the head of a smuggling family, and these two reconnect in the marsh country when Joss blackmails Gareth to save his sister. Adventure, mystery, and romance ensue in this sweet, charming, thoughtful and fun historical romance. This book is a great mix of complex and fun. Its complexity comes from the character’s embracing love and joy as gay characters, as well as Joss being biracial. The fun comes from the mystery, adventure, and great banter and writing. Also the side characters are great and interesting, helping move the plot along to its satisfying conclusion. I love a historical romance with adventure, so I am not sure why I haven’t read KJ Charles, but they will definitely be added to my list of authors to read. Overall, I recommend this book for fans of historical romance, LGBTQ+ love stories, and adventure.

K.J. Charles' prose is tiptop, as usual. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good mystery and excellent historical details. The best part of the book was the community at Romney Marsh and the Doomsday family.

I think readers expecting a riveting romance will be less satisfied.

I just never came around on Sir Gareth. He was a milquetoast and a bit of an idiot, and I never understood what it was about him that so fascinated Joss.

Check triggers**

Read this book if you like: Dual POV third person, LGBTQ representation, opposites attract, one night stand, spicy 🔥

M/m historical romance!? Sign me up. This did not disappoint. The characters are well-developed. The banter is perfect, so is the spice. 🔥 I love that Joss is like a crime boss and Gareth is basically royalty. This was funny, sweet, sexy, and even a little suspenseful. I am so excited for the next book in the duo! I am going to read much more by K.J.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the gifted e-book ❤️

4.5*

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen was such a delight to read. But coming from K.J. Charles I wouldn't expect any less! It was mysterious and suspenseful, but also sweet and thoughtful. I think Gareth and Joss might be my favorite KJC couple. Such opposites, but so perfect together.

I really enjoyed this story so much. The intrigue, the passion, the setting all came together to make for one engaging read. KJC always does such a fantastic job of transporting me into the worlds she creates and this one was no different. I felt like I could see Romney Marsh and all it's inhabitants (human and insect) from her descriptions.

I used to think I wanted to be a pirate, but I'm rethinking that now and feel like I might be better suited as a smuggler.

Just over a year ago, I came across a book titled Slippery Creatures and quickly became obsessed with the Will Darling Adventures trilogy, I loved it so much. So when the opportunity to get a copy of this new release from K.J. Charles arose, you can bet I jumped on it! This book had all the same themes that I loved about the Will Darling Adventures but in an entirely new setting, time period, and fresh characters that are so easy to fall in love with. I couldn’t put it down and was sad to see it end.

Gareth Inglis was abandoned by his father when he was very young and was left to live with his uncle in London while his father apparently started a new family elsewhere. He’s struggled his whole life with finding somewhere to fit in. Of late, the only good thing in his life was the weeklong affair he had with a handsome man known only as Kent. But sadly the affair was over almost as quickly as it began when his lover informed him that he needed to return home. Gareth didn’t have much time to dwell on the heartbreak, though, because shortly after that he learned of his father’s passing and that he inherited a title and a large estate in the remote Romney Marsh. The Marsh is a strange place that, as Gareth quickly discovered, didn’t take kindly to “outmarsh” folks such as himself. Shortly after arriving, Gareth got himself mixed up with the local smuggling family led by Joss Doomsday who Gareth is shocked to discover was none other than his lover from back in London. Despite their rocky start, these two found it hard to stay away from one another but it was not an easy road as Gareth found himself wrapped up in a mystery that had danger coming at them from every direction. Joss and Gareth had to fight for their lives and love as they tried to unravel this mystery and find their happily ever after.

This book was such a good time. The mystery, intrigue, and danger played out like a movie and kept me flipping the pages. I loved seeing the plot get twister and twistier and then seeing it all unravel as the story reached its climax. Poor Gareth had no idea what he had gotten himself into when he arrived on the Marsh. And then all these scary people start turning up with threats and he’s left trying to figure out what on earth his father was up to and how to protect himself and his newly inherited money and family. Good thing he ended up having Joss Doomsday on his side. The entire Doomsday family was so well written and Joss was an incredibly competent leader. I must have a competency kink or something because the way Joss handled himself as head of this family really worked for me!

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Gareth and Joss! Gareth had spent his entire life feeling like he wasn’t enough and never having anyone in his corner so it meant so much to him to finally have someone like Joss on his side. It gave him a level of security that he had never been able to experience before and I think it helped him find his voice and become more courageous. Meanwhile, Joss who was so used to carrying the weight of his entire extended family on his shoulders was so used to always being strong for everyone and having little time for his own needs. Having someone like Gareth who he could rely on allowed him to let his guard down for a bit and show the vulnerability that he usually had to keep a lid on. Their pairing was so well-balanced. For all the action, adventure, and danger they faced, when it was just the two of them, there were so many scenes that were so tender and romantic - it was really beautiful. Who knew that beetle hunting in a marsh could be so romantic?

I had such a good time reading this story and I was excited to see that we’ll be returning to this world later this year when another Doomsday gets a story. I can’t wait for it!

**ARC provided by Netgalley with the understanding an unbiased review would be written.**

4.5 stars rounded up.

One of the things I love about Charles's books is that the amount of research done comes through so clearly without it being obvious. The sense of place is one of the most important parts of this book and Romney Marsh is definitely brought to life; from the smallest inhabitants to the most dangerous, including the sea, I felt like I was living on the Marsh while reading this book.

Gareth's sense of abandonment and loneliness is so heart wrenching and I can't decide if it makes it worse or better that his father didn't care about anyone, not only Gareth. I did find it hard to understand why Gareth wanted to follow in his father's footsteps since I would distance myself completely from anyone who treated me that way. But I do see how it made him change his view of Romney Marsh, from somewhere harsh and forbidding to beautiful and wonderous. Joss's life exhausts me, so much pressure and no happiness for himself until he meets Gareth. I honestly pretty much hated most of his family, his mother in particular pissed me off endlessly. However, Luke, Sophy, and Grandda were wonderful. Joss and Gareth were very sweet together, which isn't really normally the case with Charles's characters, they are often very fierce in all aspects of their lives, and while Joss was often fierce in other parts of his life he was almost entirely sweet and caring with Gareth. They filled each other's empty spots perfectly and I loved watching Gareth show Joss parts of his deeply loved home that he'd never noticed before.

This does have the usual twisty plot that is always one of the best parts of Charles's books. I can't say I didn't see some of the plot, but other parts were well hidden enough that I didn't expect them. The only thing I missed was the way she normally plays with language, the big scene where everything is going on at once and everyone is talking at cross purposes, and that I'm always left amused and amazed by. But. The fact is that the use of language is more peppered throughout because the accents and word use in the Marsh is so very specific. I also don't want to say that I wasn't on the edge of my seat at many points in this book. The whole scene with Gareth near the end and the parts leading up to that had me holding my breath and my heart racing.

I think this will, like most of Charles's books, be in my reread/listen roster. I not only loved the sense of place, but the love between two people who hadn't had the opportunity for it before they found each other was gorgeous.

With the exception of "Band Sinister", I have shamelessly adored every K.J. Charles book. And this book? Ooh, it's SO good.

After a thought-provoking quote by Adam Smith about smuggling ...

The smuggler; a person who, though no doubt highly blameable for violating the laws of his country, is frequently incapable of violating those of natural justice, and would have been, in every respect, an excellent citizen, had not the laws of his country made that a crime which nature never meant to be so.

... we meet the MCs at the Three Ducks a week into a passionate connection after seeing each other across a crowded molly house room (isn't that how the song does?) But when Kent (an alias because of his Kentish heritage) tells London that he is going back home, with promises to return on a regular basis, London nastily shuts him down.

But never fear, Kent and London meet again on Romney Marsh, located in Kent and with its proximity to the English Channel, a hotbed of smugglers since the 1600's. London's (Gareth) father unexpectedly dies, making him a baronet, Sir Gareth Inglis, master of Tench House. And eventually, Sir Gareth encounters Kent again - who possibly has the greatest name ever - Josiah Doomsday, the crown prince of the Dymchurch Doomsdays, a family of smugglers .... er, Free Traders, with a rich history in the Marsh.

What ensues is an absolutely engrossing story of the life on the Marsh, how the Doomsday family takes care of those in need, how the ethics of smuggling are muddled at best, and how Josh and Gareth get past their minor problems ("Because you're a smuggler and I'm a baronet, You're Josh Doomsday and I'm outmarsh. I informed against your sister and you blackmailed me in public!) and become everything to each other.

It's equal parts wildly romantic and terrifying, as various nefarious characters start attacking Gareth and his family, claiming they are owed something - something unnamed but they clearly believe Gareth knows what. The suspense ratchets up, the family intrigue continues, and everything resolves in a helluva dramatic ending, and I would gladly read another few hundred pages about Josh and Gareth.

So, I was overjoyed to learn that the second book in this series, A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel is in the works. 5 stars and I simply cannot wait to read more about Romney Marsh and its families and characters!

I’m so upset with myself for taking so long to read the ARC I was provided (Thank you NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca!), mainly because I am absolutely in love with The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen.

I adored the story of Joss Doomsday & Gareth Inglis on the remote Romney Marsh! Sir Gareth is not only learning what it means to run an estate, but also must provide for his previously unknown family, all while living in an area swarming with a prominent smuggling clan. A clan that just happens to be led by his previous lover, Joss Doomsday. Despite the two being from extremely different backgrounds they experience parallels in their journey, like being thrust to the head of the family quite suddenly and navigating who they can be vs what they assume they should be. They both just want someone who is theirs and their’s alone. Most importantly, they communicate with one another!!!!

I do wish we could have had just a little bit more of the romance plotline. I felt like it was overshadowed at times by the smuggling drama/mystery. And they had such a sweet and lovely romance budding despite the fact it was set against all sorts of deceit and violence.

This was my first KJ Charles and certainly not my last (I’ve already got the next book on pre-order!), and I loved how Charles is able to intertwine the social and political issues of the time (some even ringing true today!) into the story and posed brilliant questions for not only the characters to ponder over but us as the readers too!

-M/M Historical Romance
-Opposites Attract
-Forbidden Romance: Gentleman & his Rogue!
-Found Family
-Mafia-esque..ish (Squint your eyes, you’ll see it!!!)
-”Touch him and you die.”

London & Kent, Gareth & Joss, whatever you decide to call them, are perfection together. They each inspire each to think and to challenge what’s been put in front of them and just want to be on the same side. Their own. They are two sides of a coin and I will forever cherish it.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own

Included as a top pick in bimonthly March New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

Charles strikes again! I enjoyed this so much. An easy, quick and fun read that filled my hollow heart.

I was so glad to learn a few months back, about this upcoming new release by an author I steadily grew to adore. And imagine my surprise and utter delight when I was approved for as an advanced reader (via NetGalley)! Thank you to the publisher.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen has just the right amount of angst, romance, family drama, mystery and action, all beautifully wrapped up in KJ Charles captivating writing style.

If you’re looking for heartfelt adventure about a mistreated cinnamon roll who learns to stand up for himself and those he loves, and a smuggler with a tough image but a marshmallow heart- both learning to share with each other the burdens of life while strolling the Marsh looking for beetles - look no further.
Highly recommend for fans of the genre.

Since every KJ Charles novel merits 5 stars in my book, how can I upgrade “The Secret Lives of Gentlemen” as one of her best? Precarious situations and tense intrigue are perfectly balanced with naivete, loyalty, and love.

When Gareth shockingly inherits the barony from the father who abandoned him to a resentful, unloving uncle, Gareth also undertakes an estate, a fortune, and a love of the marshland from his disavowing dad. He also falls heir to mysterious and increasing danger for himself and his two charges, a half-sister and his father’s ex-mistress.

Equally shocking, Gareth must depend on Joss, his neighborhood smugglers’ boss, a man who Gareth almost unwittingly betrays. Only short months earlier, Joss and Gareth had been beautifully matched anonymous lovers in London – oops! Now their differences in outlook and their bad start at real life set them at odds … until mutual peril requires them to unite.

As always, Ms. Charles accomplishes a seamlessly complicated tale, adeptly integrating her many talents. She pens life-like caricatures of those who populate her stories in brief brushstrokes of language. Through Gareth’s eyes, she notes the smallest nuances of nature and conveys the harsh, but breathtaking backdrops and abundant beauty. This environment parallels Joss and Gareth, who are nuanced characters, each flawed in ways that challenge, temper and motivate one another.

“The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen,” which opens The Doomsday Book series, is one of Ms. Charles most suspenseful novels. Who threatens Gareth, and his half-sister – for what? Did his father and/or uncle engage in illicit activities? And will problems within Joss’ family bring down their smuggling operation? Could this further endanger Gareth? As the men struggle to find footing from unknown foes, they must grow to survive. Will their affection hamper or help their safety?

In other words, Ms. Charles manages to juggle all the balls of her intricate story while enriching each element and furthering our understanding of location, people, circumstances, and human interactions. While Ms. Charles ties loose ends into a lovely finale, my ultimate mystery is this. How does she manages such majesty with ease, charm, humor and gentle wisdom – making it all seem effortless?

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a fun, wild ride that contains so much of what I love about Regency romance. There’s chemistry between two people who believe they can’t be together because of their different places in society. There’s intrigue and mystery – to an almost insane degree in this case, in the form of smuggling. There’s a big, crazy family that will inevitably star in a whole series of fun, wild novels. And the only difference, the thing that makes this book break your heart sometimes, is that the two leads are men living in a time when loving who they love is illegal.

I loved Joss from his first moment on page. He’s flirty and charming and fiercely protective of his family and the life they’ve built on Romney Marsh. Gareth takes some time to open up to the other characters, and as a result, it takes some time to love him just as much. His journey from Outmarsh (outsider) to Marshman (one of us!) is totally worth the patience. And by the end of the book, you’re going to love them individually, love the men they’ve become, and want them to find their happy ending so badly you’ll be willing to fight society for its prejudices right alongside them.

Aside from the central relationship (which is both very steamy and sweetly romantic in turns), there’s so much going on that at times it feels like too much. Romney Marsh is as much a character as the people in it, and Charles writes about it beautifully, bringing it to life. And with so many supporting characters, there felt like a ton of diverging storylines. Until they came together in a massive tangle at the end. It can definitely still feel like a bit much, but all the threads do weave together in a way that makes a lot of sense and delivers a dramatic payoff.

All in all, I’m very excited to read about more of the Doomsday family, and I’ll be following their series.

While I enjoyed this book, it wasn't as enjoyable as I had thought it would be. Joss and Gareth were an interesting couple but I find it hard to believe they would have so easily associated with one another given the differences in their class standings. Too much happened in the second half of the book - it felt rushed and disorganized. While I realize I'm in the minority opinion, I don't think I'll be rushing to get the next book in this series.

**ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**