A Regency romance mixed with an adventure/mystery is a combination I did not know I was missing in my reading life. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles takes the reader to the marshes of Great Britain where two unlikely men reunite to discover one man's father's secrets and find themselves fighting for their lives and their love. Amidst the rough terrains and brutal enemies their sweet romance is heartwarming. Looks like I have another author with a large back list to investigate.

✨ Review ✨ The The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles; Narrated by Martyn Swain

I loved everything about this book -- I literally could not get enough. Sir Gareth retreats to the countryside to figure out what to do with his recently dead dad's manor, a parent he'd been estranged from for most of his life. There he finds Joss Doomsday, leader of a local smuggler clan, and a previous sexual connection from the city. The two crash into each other's lives in the countryside as Joss provides protection to Gareth who's been facing mysterious threats; and Gareth comes to new understandings of what it means to live in a rural location like Romney Marsh.

As the two come to know each other better, a sweet romance builds, as we watch them negotiate issues of trust, abandonment, difficult families, and more. I love that this mixed romance, mystery, history, and more in what proved to be a fairly complex but engaging plotline.

The smuggler twist brought this pirate vibes, and like all KJC books it brings the steam. Unlike Slippery Creatures, this book felt lighter, not as mired in "dark" dealings, though there is still that sort of swashbuckling every-present danger.

I liked the audio, but found the speed hard to get right. At a comfortable listening pace (1.75x), the narrator still had long pauses in between sentences/clauses that made it feel a little clunky, but I was mostly able to lose myself in it.

Highly recommend this one if m/m historical romances & adventurous mysteries are your style!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: m/m historical romance (early 1800s)
Location: rural UK (Romney Marsh, Southeast near water crossings to France)
Reminds me of:
Pub Date: March 7, 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cross-class historical romances
⭕️ British countryside + nature adventures
⭕️ swaggering smugglers

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Dreamscape Media, and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!

Gareth Inglis has never known the love of a family, and has always felt left behind. So when the stranger he is falling in love with has to leave, he feels he is just being abandoned again.

Until his father dies, he inherits a title and a house on the Marsh, and finds his stranger again, one Joss Doomsday, a smuggler. Joss and Gareth don’t ever want to be apart again, but they must contend with their different societal positions, societies views, and family ties-along with an unknown threat to Gareth that could turn deadly.

Joss and Gareth are absolutely a couple to root for, and this makes the readers really invested in their lives and the drama surrounding them. Plus the threat lends an air of mystery to the story that I really enjoyed. I would recommend this book.

This is an entertaining MM historical romance with a suspense element. It's an interesting and engaging read. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

I expected this to just be a simple romance, some fluff about two guys set in the Victorian era. So I was pleasantly surprised to encounter greed, murder, scandal, smuggling, and so much more. This was fun and intriguing. I felt the beginning was a little hard to get into, but about 25% of the way in, it really picked up. I look forward to the second book.

It has been an age since I read a KJ Charles story, and I really enjoyed diving into the lives of Romney March.

A classic opposites attract - one worked for a solicitor, one breaks the law on the regular. One has no relationship with family, one lives and would die for family.

One is a rogue, one is a gentleman.

And yet they fit, and I enjoyed as they found their way even with all the outside pressures on their relationship.

I like that KJ Charles writes to the time period, but does not get bogged down in flowery prose. I could imagine myself in the tavern, listening to them all chat.

I am looking forward to more in the Doomsday series.

1810….England is at war with Napoleon, same sex love is a capital offense (death penalty) and Gareth Inglis is about to inherit a Barony. The selfish and oblivious father who abandoned Gareth to his unloving Uncle when he was 6 has unexpectedly died and now Sir Gareth must go from London to the marshes of Kent to claim his title, property and wealth. But before that happens, Gareth shares of week of mind blowing lovemaking with an anonymous Kentish man at a London pub with private rooms and few questions. Now they are both in Kent, no longer anonymous and the electricity between them is sparkling. Gareth has been abandoned or unloved by everyone in is life..his mother who died when he was 6, his horrible father, cruel uncle and bully cousin, Joss Doomsday (his real last name!) has carried the weight of and protection of his large family for 15 of his young years. Although they are smugglers, they live by an almost chivalrous code…protecting the people of the Marsh when their King and the nobility couldn’t care less. These two wounded and lovely men find each other, surviving misunderstandings, miscommunications and threats from a lot of sources.
A love that you will root for and a cast of characters who you will like, or hate but thoroughly enjoy.

After reading five of KJ Charles' books last year, I was stoked to see a new novel coming out this year! If you're also already a KJ fan, let me say now that you'll love this one too.

The two main characters have pretty different backgrounds that help to inform some of this story's central conflicts—mainly revolving around trust. After growing up with a cold, upperclass uncle and cousin in London, Gareth has become untrusting of people and prone to moodiness if he thinks he's being rejected. Meanwhile in the Marsh, Joss has been leading the family business of smuggling since he was a teen. Loyal to a fault and feeling like he can't seek support from others, he has a lot on his shoulders keeping the large crew of rowdy smugglers in line.

While I love a good "opposites attract" dynamic, I found Gareth's outbursts and personailty to be a bit grating at the start of the book and couldn't understand what appealed him to Joss. But as the two characters develop together and we see their interactions with side characters, I warmed up to the couple and was satisfied with how the author wrapped up their love story.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca & NetGalley for the digital ARC!

I love this book. KJ Charles is such a fantastic writer, and while I certainly have enjoyed everything I've read by her, this is one of her best. There's smuggling, entomology, romantic misunderstandings, sexy tension-everything that KJ Charles does so well, but even better with 'The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen'. I'm in love with these characters. You always come away from a KJ Charles novel having learned something, whether it's about insects, language, or socioeconomic struggles.

Gareth and Joss's relationship begins as anonymous sexual encounters, broken up by a misunderstanding, peppered with yet more misunderstanding once they meet again in their actual identities. I love how much they really worked to understand one another, even through disagreements. They adored each other, blatantly and obviously and it was wonderful. The side characters were also layered and fun and I'd love to see more in this world of the Romney Marsh.

There was a bit of a long pause in action around the 75 percent mark, pretty late in the story, and while it did help me take a breath and prepare for the rest of the plot, it was a bit jarring to suddenly just slow down so much.

Overall, this is a classic KJ Charles romance novel, immensely enjoyable and one of my favorites of this year!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

After living in London for most of his life, Gareth is forced to relocate to Kent after his estranged father dies unexpectedly. He moves to Kent to put his newly inherited estate in order and is surprised to run into the man who he had a fling with in London with months before. Gareth is even more surprised to learn that the man, named Joss, is a big-time smuggler. They soon get reacquainted and as they get to know each other better, they can't help but want to be together. Gareth and Joss' sometimes dangerous situations may complicate their time together.

I was hooked into this story from the first few pages. Gareth and Joss' fling at the beginning of the book sucked me in with the steam and amazing chemistry between the two heroes. When they had to part ways, it made me so sad because I felt like they were just getting started. Luckily, Gareth's baronetcy and new inheritance brought him to Joss' stomping grounds. Although they had a very rocky restart to their relationship, living in the same town allowed them to get to know each other on a deeper level. Gareth and Joss became each other's person and I loved that for them. Gareth had been lonely all of his life because of his sad family circumstances but moving to Kent allowed him to find a family and love. Although Joss was surrounded by family and found success in what he did for a living, he always felt like something was missing. Gareth filled that space in his heart.

I am always pleasantly surprised by the steam in historical romance novels because it's a fairly new genre for me. This one had the perfect amount of steam - their intimate moments captured not only great sexual chemistry but also an intimacy that was sexy and sweet at the same time.

This book has a bit of mystery to it because of the situation with Gareth's inheritance. I enjoyed the suspense of his story and was curious to see who was behind it all.

Pick up this book for a sexy, sweet, and suspenseful M/M historical romance!

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: child abuse, assault, murder, sexual assault, racism, death of a loved one

Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely, prickly, and well-used to disappointment. Still, he longs for a connection. When he meets a charming man in a London molly house, he falls head over heels—until everything goes wrong and he's left alone again. Then Gareth's father dies, turning the shabby London clerk into Sir Gareth, with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh and a family he doesn't know.
Smuggling and life changes are the catalyst in this book .
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely read! It's such a welcome departure from your standard historical romances set in 1800s England.

Gareth and Joss are great characters. They're young and stupid but we get to watch them grow and yearn and grapple for a place to belong. They make mistakes and learn from them. There's a raw honesty to their interactions that was beautiful to see. And the steamy bits were much appreciated ;-)

Romney Marsh sounds like a gorgeous place, if you have the time to dig in and unearth the beauty. Tagging along with Gareth as his feelings about the Marsh change was a treat. And his sense of home, of rightness, of being a part of something made me so happy for him.

This is a character-heavy story and it feels great to say that all of the supporting characters were well done. They're distinct and easily recognizable, with a depth you can feel even if we don't get to see it.

My only complaint is that sometimes Joss and Gareth's inner monologues got repetitive in a tiring way. Other than that, I've no issues with this story!

I'll be recommending this to all my friends!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles is a page-turner of a Regency Romance adventure.


Sir Gareth Inglis was abandoned by his father (a baronet) and raised by a begrudging, unscrupulous uncle. After his father’s death, Gareth inherits the title and a property in the marshes of Kent, along with a half-sister he didn’t know he had. He soon discovers the marshes are riddled with smugglers, and his part of the county is controlled by the smuggling family, the Doomsdays.

Joss (Josiah Doomsday) is the head man. Aside from coordinating the smuggling operation, he also has to rule his unruly family. Although he has always worked alongside his strong-willed mother, they are heading for a clash since she continues to throw her support behind her useless younger brother Elijah, who wants all the perks of being head man (mainly free alcohol) while doing none of the work. And now, there is a new baronet in town, one who disapproves of smuggling.

The difficulty is: Gareth and Joss have met before. At a tavern in London where men strive for anonymity and sneak off into private rooms. Their secret could spell ruin for them both. They come from two different worlds and have very different outlooks. But the attraction between them brings them back together. Together they must deal with a missing fortune and violent men who wrongly believe Gareth knows where it is and will do anything to wrench it from him.

This is a well-crafted, high-stakes adventure with sympathetic protagonists and believable villains. The love story is compelling and emotionally satisfying. The sex is graphic but not gratuitous. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Babe, wake up, there’s a new KJ Charles book.

I’ve been a fan of KJ Charles’ novels for almost a decade and every time she releases a new book, I can’t contain my excitement — so I’m incredibly thankful to Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen contains Charles’ quintessential complex characters, tender romance, wit, and discussions about class struggles. It follows two very different men from completely different worlds — Gareth, the banished son of a baronet, and Joss, the son of and second-in-command of the Doomsday smuggling family — who have a passionate short-lived love affair. Both men still harbour feelings for one another and meet again in disastrous circumstances, where Joss is forced to blackmail Gareth (now a baronet).

Gareth and Joss’ relationship at the very beginning of the novel is lovely — they fell headfirst for one another and spend a week essentially hooking up. And although I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where they care for one another, I simply adored the miscommunication and feelings of betrayal they have to contend with. It’s this that allows their characters to develop and we get to understand Gareth’s tendency to hurt first and Joss’ intense desire for something that belongs only to him.

Family is at the heart of this book and I really enjoyed the large cast of supporting characters. Joss’ grandfather Asa, in particular, was wonderful, as he cares extremely deeply for his grandchildren, Joss, Sophy, and Luke. But family is also difficult, as Gareth’s heartless father and uncle prove, along with Joss’ uncle. When Gareth is attacked and blames Joss’ family, Gareth and Joss are forced to work together to uncover a mysterious smuggling plot that involves both of their families. This plot line is incredibly engaging, and the tender and vulnerable romance that re-develops between the two men as they work together, and go beetle exploring, is masterfully written.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a KJ Charles novel without a discussion about the differences in class, race and gender, which I always appreciate. Gareth, although growing up unwanted, unloved and poor, suddenly finds himself inheriting his father’s baronetcy over the half-sister he had no idea he had. Although Cecilia, his sister, seemed to be loved by their father, she’s ultimately written out of his will in favour of the son he abandoned. Joss is biracial and although he runs the Doomsday clan and is respected for his position, many people (including members of his family) still treat him with derision at times, and believe he doesn’t deserve his position. And although Joss and Gareth fall in love with each other, they do have to contend with the fact of Gareth’s social standing. Charles tackles each of these topics with care, and I especially enjoy the comparisons between the rich caring only for themselves and looking to line their pockets v.s. a community who come together and care for one another.

I had already guessed who the second book would be about, and I’m glad to see I’m correct! Luke’s story (Joss’ young cousin) will continue in A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel. I loved the sweet friendship that develops between Gareth and Luke in this novel, as Luke comes to see Gareth as a father figure in a way, and I sincerely hope we get to see more of that in the sequel.

Sourcebooks: please give me an ARC 🙏🏼

Gareth is abruptly thrust into becoming a Baronet after his father's untimely passing. This is after his heart can't stop thinking about the man who entered his life, leaving him pondering what's he doing now.

Now established in Kent, Gareth finds the answer to his love sick heart after stumbling upon a smuggling gang. This man, the one, is the leader of the group. Gareth a man of the law finds himself educated on the "why" of smuggling all while falling in love with a ruff and tumble man.

This romance is full of raw chemistry as these love interest discover the ways of desire. I enjoyed the fun, mysterious subplot and its wild cast of characters. The first in the series, and I can't wait for book 2. Hopefully we get a glimpse into the Gareth and Joss relationship as the The Doomsday Book series continues.

Thank you Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy.

Engrossing, delightful, and both lighter and heavier than I expected.

That sounds incredibly vague, but the truth is, the lightness - Gareth's joy in his naturalist explorations, the easy moments between Joss and Gareth, Gareth joking about Cecy's thundering footsteps - surprised me sometimes.

And the heaviness - the philosophical arguments about war, the reality of Sir Hugo's cruelty, the desolation I felt at the villain's actions in the climax - was more emotional than anticipated.

Joss and Gareth's romance delivered all the feels. The infusion of adventure, mystery, and thriller, along with K.J. Charles' deft hand addressing class issues in Regency England, made this a riveting read. I am already anticipating the sequel. Will it be about Luke? I look forward to finding out.

I’ve read a few Regency novels in my time and I have to say that The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles is a perfect LGBTQ Regency on par with Bridgerton with just enough scandal and intrigue to keep your pulse racing. One of the reasons that I like it so much is that both the main characters, Gareth and Joss, are three dimensional with flaws and issues. Both characters have a clear voice and are distinct enough that the author doesn’t need to label which is which for the reader. 

Another reason I liked the story was the way it was set up. Both men meet, but as strangers. Then they meet again, discovering each other all over again, in an entirely new setting. This set up leads to conflict but allows the romance to come to a slow simmer, which is far more exciting for readers. I also love the intrigue and secrets that get revealed along the way. The story is complex and intriguing. And the author sticks true to the language and behaviors of the time. 

If you love Bridgerton or Regency novels in general, you will love this novel by KJ Charles. It is as I said a perfect LGBTQ Regency with two characters you will fall in love with and want to read more about.  As this is book one in the series, I can’t wait for more from the author.

ARC copy kindly provided by NetGalley but all my thoughts are my own.

Absolutely lovely in every way!

tropes: class difference, opposites attract

Gareth is a newly minted baronet trying to understand the life of his late father whom he never knew. Joss is the leader of a smuggling family with a lot of weight on his shoulders.
What woeked for me? this m/m historical romance was full of action and tender loving moments. I absolutely love this couple and the Doomsday family. I loved how Joss and Gareth communicated even though the two are very different.

What didn't work for me? I thought this was getting to be a little slow but then I realized I was just savoring every word of it. so I have no complaints!

If you love an interesting and complex plot in your historical romance as well as a swoony couple from different classes and walks of life this is for you! please read it!

If Bridgerton had a M/M romance, I like to think it would be alot like this book (and they totally should incorporate one!).

I really enjoyed Gareth and Joss and their romance, but also the supporting cast of characters and their families, who we got to know well.

Both Gareth and Joss are thrust into becoming the head of their families, whether they want to or not. Gareth is a Baron, while Josh leads a band of smugglers. Both are struggling with who they are and, more importantly, who they want to be. Both their families have moments of being amazing and being awful, which is true to life. We go on the journey with each of these men as they forge their own paths in life and discover who they truly are - both alone and together.

As sadly is still the case today, as people start to find out about their relationship, they get others thtreatening to "out" them and use their relationship to blackmail them. I loved that they stood their ground and pushed back! I loved seeing the support that rallied behind them, some of which you'd expect and others that surprise you!

I felt this book had the perfect ending. And look forward to more in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media for both an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

This is my first book by this author. Let me say it won’t be my last.

Inside the walls of these pages we’re faced with suspense, mystery, intrigue and also educated on the eerie marshes of England as well as the different lifestyles of the gentry and the rest of us.
What most held my attention was watching the beautiful romance unfold between Gareth (London) and Joss (Kent). To see the evolution and transformation romantically and humanity wise was heartfelt. I choked up more than once. I enjoyed this book on so many levels.
I don’t do spoilers. It’s not fair to the author or the reader. You need to experience this for yourself.
I was transported back to the period of my favorite classics such as Wuthering Heights, Pride and Predjuide, and so many others.
Except instead of Heathcliff and Cathy, Mr. Darcy and Ms Bennett, it’s Gareth and Joss. I wanted so much more of them and could’ve kept reading this book forever!