A new KJ Charles book is always a cause for celebration in this house and The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen doesn’t disappoint. It’s got that KJC secret sauce mix of heartfelt romance, whip smart dialogue, a fully-realised world, populated by fully-realised people, and a plot that rips along. I read the second half while coughing my way through a bout of Covid, when my motivation to move or eat or keep my eyes open was very low, and yet I still came back to pick up my kindle time and again.

First, let me tell you about the real hero of this story: Romney Marsh in 1810. No, honestly. Maybe it’s the covid brain talking, but the thing I loved most about this book was the extraordinary sense of place and period. It’s set in one of England’s most liminal landscapes, a place caught between sky and sea and land, and peopled mostly by small, secretive creatures, both wildlife and human alike. Its a place of smuggling and sheep. In other words, it’s the perfect setting for a queer love story, played out at the very edges of society, where everyone lives by their own rules and the ordinary laws of nature don’t apply. KJ Charles does an incredible job of invoking this world - I felt like I was there, in the rain, looking for newts.

The story that plays out in this wet, windswept place has all the intrigue of a Daphne du Maurier: rival smuggling clans, stolen gold, murderous cousins, and the threat of the Revenue at every turn. Sir Gareth Inglis, newly-minted baronet, returns to the Marsh for the first time in twenty years to discover that his father - who he hadn’t seen since he was a child - has left him everything in his will. A house, a half-sister, a housekeeper-cum-mistress, and his life times work as a naturalist. Oh, and a tradition of complicity in the local smuggling operations. A barrel of brandy here, a packet of tea there. Gareth is assured that everyone on the Marsh does it but it seems extremely poor citizenship to him. Indeed, there is a war going on and trading for luxuries with France sounds distinctly unpatriotic!

Said smuggling is masterminded by the Doomsday family, led by their Upright Man, Joss and his mother, the daunting Ma Doomsday. When Gareth sees Joss’s sister Sophy leading a late night run and reports it, turning evidence against her with the threat of hanging, it plunges him into a series of events that the quiet, chilly, lonely baronet could never have predicted. Because, as it turns out, he’s been involved with smugglers all along, he just never knew it. Joss Doomsday, going by the alias ‘Kent’, has been his lover in London and now, faced with this realisation in a Marsh courtroom, Gareth has no choice but to stand down.

I can’t describe what follows - the plot on this one is a twisty turning beast; perhaps too much so - but amidst it all we see Gareth and Joss negotiate their feelings for each other, moral, social and personal. The love story is, quite unpredictably, very soft and cozy, against a backdrop of deceit and violence. This is one of those cases where the emotional angst and the plot angst get very tangled, but the emotional angst is always the minor key. Joss and Gareth have their differences but there is never much doubt how much they like each other. This might be a problem on a second reading, when I’m coming at the story without the frantic need to know what happens, and I’ve got more time to dwell on the interpersonal arc. But on this first reading I was utterly swept away.

I dropped half a star in my rating because of some residual discomfort with how threats of forced outing are used to drive the plot - or at least, to raise the stakes - and then allowed to dissipate without being resolved. I need to think more about this on future readings but for now, consider it a question mark in my mind and heart.

I'm such a fan of the way KJ Charles writes a historical romance - it's always so thoughtful and full of heart and actual conversation and growth and that's always a treat. I really enjoyed Joss + Gareth and their story; I thought the plot overall progressed a little slowly until it absolutely didn't (That last 20%!) and I loved how sweet the ending was!

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is another amazing queer historical romance by KJ Charles. In this story, two men find each other, and themselves, amid the backdrop of dangerous marshes and intriguing smugglers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gareth and Joss first meet anonymously at a London molly house. Gareth is looking forward to another evening with his hookup; when Joss informs him that it’s time for him to travel back to Kent, he’s crushed and reacts badly. The next time they meet, Gareth has inherited his father’s title, moved to remote Romney Marsh, and is about to testify against Joss’s smuggler sister. Joss saves his sister, but Gareth isn’t happy with him. Neither of them can ignore their continuing mutual attraction, though, or their other growing connections.

It turns out that 19th century smugglers are a specific story line (micro trope?) that I love. And everyone knows I adore when a mystery is woven into the romance. Joss and Gareth’s relationship is intertwined with this backdrop, from Joss’s family of smugglers to Gareth’s attempts to discover just what his late father was up to. While Joss takes care of everyone’s troubles, he forgets that he too needs someone to trust and lean on. Gareth learns not to be a pushover, and Joss’s regard helps him see a stronger version of himself. Of course, the chemistry between the two is steamy, and it’s no wonder other characters catch on to their feelings for each other.

What a great book. I love it when romance goes hand and hand with adventure. KJ Charles adds in a sense of loneliness and longing, and creates a fictional world I didn’t want to leave. Charming and delightful are overused book review words, but they sum up The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen perfectly.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a different book than what I normally read. (I don't typically read Historical books, but the blurb sounded interesting, so I wanted to give it a shot.) I will say, it took me a little bit to get into it. Well, it started out with a bang, but then it felt like the story started to slow down. It did pick up again in the second half or so. I think part of the problem was simply my inexperience with this genre, so the language/vocabulary took some getting used to. (No fault of the author.) There is some sexual content, that was also different than what I'm used to. It's hard for me to put into words how to explain it... it was played out on the pages, but it was not quite explicit (or smutty) but it wasn't exactly clean or safe. Certain aspects of it was graphic enough that it may be deemed suitable for mature readers, but then again it wasn't smutty. There is some strong language throughout the book that may also be more appropriate for mature readers. And in case you didn't figure it out from the blurb, this is a MM romance. Aside from the romance, there is also a little mystery involved. Some violence too. One of the lead characters comes across as a more shy/reserved fellow who has had a rough upbringing, never really feeling loved or accepted. The other has taken the role of head of the family business. He's confident, strong, knows what he wants and usually gets it. Both have enemies, but want to do right by their families. One is a fixture in the town (family basically part of the foundation,) the other an outcast. It's a second chance romance that turned into an enemies to lovers with a dash of forbidden. It alternates between POVs.

After receiving the opportunity to read this, rather taken by the cover as well as that it’s a Regency era M/M romance. More Poldark than Bridgerton (actiony with moments of wonderful sweetness) this one was a very fun and enjoyable read.

I was immediately pulled into this well written, utterly enjoyable English countryside regency romance / fiction, and adored it. Also importantly - how have I never heard of KJ Charles before??!!

I enjoyed both Joss and Gareth as characters - their relationship and romance read as realistic and unrushed - and the character development they each went through was terrific.
I also appreciated the relationship development between Gareth and his half sister and her aunt.

This is a series I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more of.

When Gareth and Joss first meet in London, both use false names during their short-term hookup. Gareth leaves Joss with a bitter goodbye and never expects to see Joss again. But when Gareth’s father dies and he leaves London to return to Kent and claim his title and inheritance, he’s shocked to run into Joss. Only now, Gareth is a nobleman and Joss is a smuggler. The class difference is very important in 1810.

Gareth and Joss are such opposites, and yet they fit together perfectly, if not in public. I enjoyed being immersed into the world of the smugglers, the gentry, and life in the marshes. My favorite parts were when they were out studying the insects that live in the area, so peaceful. There are two main problems, the fear of being outed, and the threats against Gareth.

I felt it was a little slow at building up, but there came a point where I couldn’t put it down. At the end, everything came together in a lovely ending.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I received a copy for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Gareth, the new Baron and his outlaw lover Joss Doomsday are great. Perfect examples of the bookish naturalist of the time falling for the brazen, cunning, daring and take-charge outlaw. The story flowed well. and supporting characters were interesting. I so wanted Gareth and Joss to have their happy ending. I would recommend this book.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is the kind of book you hate to see end, and immediately want to reread. It’s thrilling, emotional, and spicy. Exactly what readers look for from Charles.

DNF at 53%

I really wanted to enjoy this as the premise is completely up my alley. The second chance romance between Gareth and Joss started out really compelling. I started to lose interest as the book went on as much of the plot focuses around smuggling, rather than the romance. The writing was immersive and easy to read so if The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen had been more romance-focused, I think I would've enjoyed it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love historical fiction, further, I was not anticipating this to be an LGBTQ+ book. The story of two Victorian lovers was very well written. The characters were charming and likeable; in an opposites attract type of way. The setting was beautifully described. The weaving of history, mystery, and romance was well done. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was glad to have the opportunity to explore a genre that I'm not entirely familiar with.

Fabulous first book to a new series! Not as spicy as I would have liked but very well written. Look forward to seeing the Doomsday Family again.

I absolutely loved Joss and Gareth’s story.

I think it might be my first LGBTQ+ historical romance and it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the exploration of class and homophobia. It felt well resolved and I loved how things weren’t glossed over, the issues and problems felt genuine.

Definitely recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc!

This was my first K.J Charles read and I will definitely have to venture into their collection for some more. This was all at once adorable, tense and wholesome and sad.

I loved the characters and the surrounding cast, and the two leads were superb. I would love a play-by-play of the Doomsdays interacting for 300 pages truly.

Gareth and Joss were cute and I did love how they communicated. The pacing felt too slow and suddenly too fast for the plot, but overall I had a grand time.

The Marsh was very much its own character and while confused by some of the imagery because I've never experienced an English Marsh it was an incredible setting.

I know there's a second in this duology so I am intrigued to see if any hanging bits get wrapped up.

Definitely an excellent read for anyone looking for queer historical romance with a side of tax evasion and smuggling.

What a delightful book. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is book one of a duology by KJ Charles and if book two is anything like book one I will be clamoring for more books in this universe!

This was a splendid story. Charles weaves the threads of romance, mystery, history, and social elements into a wonderful, engaging story. The central queer romance is pivotal and so believable and real. The main characters were interesting and unique, the side characters interesting too. I loved the location--the insular world of the Marsh, the interconnected relationships the beauty of the natural world, the realities of the terrain and tenuous nature of the land itself.

The villains felt real and their villainies based on the realities of greed and subterfuge and pettiness.

The main characters, Joss and Gareth, were brilliantly portrayed. Both with painful pasts, faced with difficult family situations, confronted by the class divisions of the time portrayed, the realities of a country at war, and the importance of family--both found and familial.

I think Charles managed to make the Marsh itself a character in this work--with the detailed descriptions of the terrain, the floor and fauna, the remoteness, the determination of the residents to keep their bit of hard fought land, the interconnected relationships of those born and bred on that land. The book felt very grounded in the location, the society of the Marsh, the language and customs, the singularity of that location.

This book is for anyone who loves historical fiction, romance, elements of mystery, found family, well-written characters and a thoughtful plot.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review.

I was expecting a fluffy M/M Regency romance with a bit of cheek and a side of sex but what I got was a fully expressed love story between two people who are forced to fight for their lives during a mystery with families who love them unconditionally.

3.5 stars

I can tell this is a good book, but it's not a book that works well for me. With the description of being about smugglers, I was expecting more action (actually getting to go along on smuggling runs). Instead, it's a lot of family dynamics (two smuggler families and Gareth's family), which I found to be a bit dull. There is a bit more excitement (and danger) toward the end, but because I was expecting something different, I didn't find the story compelling.

I also prefer a slower burn to a romance, and this one started off the bat with a spicy scene (and had many more throughout, some of which I just skimmed--I'm not big on lots of spicy scenes).

But I can see how this book has a lot of potential going for it and why it would be a fabulous read for many other readers.

I'm glad I'm one of those people that struggles to not finish books even when I'm not totally invested in them. I say this because I wasn't very interested in the story until 60ish percent. I mean, I loved the characters and was even intrigued by the plot, but something fell flat...until it didn't. When the plot picked up at 60ish percent I was all in and totally invested.

It's really well written, but the writing style is different than most mm romances I read.

If you like historical romances, you may enjoy this one.

This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Delightful Regency romp with all the morality and dialogue of the time. My first KJC book and will definitely read more. Happy that this is a duology and there will be more of the Doomsday smugglers. This story has our protagonists meeting anonymously in London and after some steamy sessions leave each other on bad terms. Yet providence and circumstance reunite reluctant baronet Gareth Inglis and excellent smuggler Joss Doomsday in remote Romney Marsh. Many tropes are used here and all done well from finding belonging and family to forbidden romance and overcoming evil. The story moves quickly and always keeps you engaged. Lots of fun with murder and mayhem . Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the arc.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is the first of a fun historical duology by KJ Charles, and her first with a major publisher. I‘ve read a few of Charles’ works before, and I love how she blends the central queer romance with a lot of excitement and a bit of danger, and this one is no different.
I love the setting here, especially since it’s a real location in Kent. Charles is a British author, and her familiarity with the setting jumped out at me almost immediately, as I was easily drawn into the landscape of Romney Marsh.
This is partially a family story, so the supporting cast is rather large with many family members of the Doomsdsay and Sweetwater families. However, each of them is distinct enough that they’re memorable in their own right.
Gareth and Joss are both compelling leads, and I love how both of them are impacted by their family legacies in different ways. This makes for a fun case of opposites-attract between the misfit aristocrat Gareth and the confident, suave Joss. Each of them is deeply vulnerable beneath their facade, and I love how they were able to overcome their differences and come together on a deeper level.
This is a delightful start to a new series, giving the Regency era as seen in some pf the genre’s standard novels (Heyer, Poldark) a fun, diverse twist. If your enjoy queer historical romance, I recommend checking this out!

I've wanted to read this author forever, and I am pleased that Netgalley has allowed me to do that! This a delight to read, and I enjoyed it immensely. I am excited to read her other books when I get the chance!

This book had a lovely, believable romance with characters that made you root for them. Both Gareth and Joss had their own issues and family drama which came with lovable side characters and dastardly villains. These side characters were interesting, too, and brought their town to life. And the villains were not too evil to be unbelievable but rather were motivated by greed, which many real-life villains are. I enjoyed both characters having to figure out their place with their families and each other and where they stand.

The romance was sweet, with some spicey bits thrown in. I enjoyed that when there was conflict and miscommunication (my least favorite trope in romance), it didn't last long and was concluded satisfactorily. There was also interesting historical context with the Napoleonic wars and smuggling. There was some tension about a forced outing, but luckily both main characters had a support system and love in their corner. It also had a satisfying ending that left me happy.

Overall I loved this book and can't wait for more of this series and to read the author's other books.