The story follows Lord Christopher Eden, a reclusive gentleman who’s forced to find a wife to inherit his family’s estate. He hires James Harding as his valet, and their chemistry is instant, even if they both try to deny it. The romance is slow and tender, with moments that made me laugh, swoon, and even tear up a little.​

What really stood out to me was how the book handled Christopher’s trans identity. It felt grounded in history, showing the challenges and joys of living authentically in Regency England. The writing is witty and heartfelt, and the side characters add so much warmth and humor.​

If you’re into historical romance with queer rep, found family vibes, and a slow-burn romance that delivers, this book is for you. It’s easily my new favorite from TJ Alexander, and I can’t wait to see what they write next!

Christopher, Lord Eden, isn't like most men. As in, actually, he hasn't been a man his whole life. As a result, he's been a bit of a hermit, preferring to live at his crumbling country estate to London, not socializing, and never, ever having a valet. Unfortunately, a stipulation in his father's will means he needs to get married, ASAP, and part of pretending to be an absolute catch this season in London is having a valet like anyone else. Enter James Harding, a bit of a stickler, a hard worker who doesn't love their new set up, but who is carrying his own mysterious past. Can the two of them secure Christopher a wife before he loses his title? Can Christopher avoid falling for this very handsome man and keep things professional? Just how many hijinks can they cause in London without literally being shot?
I'm normally not a period romance guy, but this one was wonderful. An absolute delight. It's a slowburn without being too slow, there's elopement, there's a really persnickety horse. Christopher is such a loveable character who just needs a hug, and his whole friend group/found family? Equally excellent. And the plot twist? Such a delight. Definitely pick this one up.

This book had me on my toes, and I loved almost every bit of it. So many twists and turns, so much yearning, so many goofy men making goofy choices in the name of love. I was fully on the roller-coaster. Up as they found each other, down and screaming at my Kindle as James tried to solve the solution that would help them both keep the Abbey. The conclusion was so satisfying. If you are into slow burns, this book will serve you well. If you want to read about trans men finding the love they deserve in historical London, this is also the book for you. The only reason it was not a complete 5 stars for me is I felt like our narrator had a lot of mental conversations with himself, and while that does move the plot along, it's not terribly exciting. Still. Definitely worth a read! 4.5 stars rounded down.

What a masterpiece! The secrets! The scheming! The pining! Immaculate. I loved every minute. TJ Alexander never misses.

Pure unadulterated queer joy! I ate this up with a spoon and am desperate for more.

**I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This is an excellent historical romance with a twist. The twist was not extremely surprising but it was a very compelling and romantic story. I will look for more books by this author.

A Gentleman's Gentleman is the second book I've read by T.J. Alexander, and it solidified my love of their writing!

Admittedly, I haven't read too many historical romances, but I jumped at the chance to read this one! I'm obsessed with the way Alexander creates their characters - crafting and molding them with love, acceptance and understanding!

Besides my love of these characters, I was immersed in the world Alexander created, with the intricacy of this plot keeping me on my toes!

Additional thoughts:
-fantastic representation through trans characters
-the slowest of slow burns
-era specific atmosphere

This book just made me happy, and I could never quite pinpoint why - it just did!

Thank you NetGalley, Lavender Public Relations, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the complimentary copies to read and review.

A wonderful little romance, if a bit predictable (at least for someone well-read in queer romance). I figured out the twist at about the 30% mark, which was as frustrating as it was wonderful. It’s nice when an author telegraphs the story, but at the same time it can take a bit of the fun out of it, especially if its a lingered-upon plot point, which this one was. I also wish there was a bit more time spent with the lovers as an established pair, but that is my own preference rather than a critique. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book and will be telling all my customers about it.

I read this one in a very short amount of time, and it was perfect. I loved both Christopher and Harding (they reminded me of a certain duo from Good Omens), and their quite distinct personality. Both men of unusual make, and very strict when it comes to the ideals of what makes a man. It was a lovely foray into a regency era historical novel, and bringing in the trans narrative was refreshing. I did call Harding's background, though, and was very excited when I was right! The ending also made me laugh, because I wouldn't have wanted it to end any other way than it did.

The pacing really held this book back. It moves very slowly for most of the story, and then everything wraps up in a rush near the end. The romance especially didn’t land for me—it’s a slow burn (like, really slow), and I didn’t feel enough build-up or emotional beats between Christopher and James to make the final payoff feel earned.
James is interesting, but underdeveloped. Beyond his role as valet, I wasn’t quite sure who he was or what made him tick, which made it hard to fully invest in the relationship.
Still, there’s a lot to appreciate here—clever dialogue, cozy vibes, and a genuinely unique take on historical romance. I just wish the pacing had matched the potential.
I received an advance review copy from netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Very charming historical romance. It's a slow burn but never felt like a slow book. I really enjoy TJ Alexander's writing style and it was just as delightful and easy reading as always, even with it being historical romance.

I really enjoyed this book! I've read Alexander's chef books and I love that they've forayed into historical.

Lord Christopher Eden has lived a very private, lonely life, but that's how he wants it. Until he learns that he must marry in order to keep his inheritance. He hires a valet to help him as he enters society for the first time, dealing with everything the ton has to offer. But James quickly becomes more than a valet, he becomes someone that Christopher relies on and someone that maybe he can trust.

In addition to the slow burn romance at the core of this story, Christopher and James also help to arrange the marriage of their friends by getting them off to Gretna Green and causing a distraction for parents who are against the marriage. Some Heyer-esque antics and I was completely here for it!

Y'all know I never miss a TJ Alexander book! I absolutely love Alexander's first foray into historical romance, starring an endearingly quirky trans duke and his suspiciously handsome valet. I enjoyed how this book plays with regency romance tropes, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

CW: PTSD (Drowning/Overboard a Ship)
For the sex averse, there are two well-telegraphed sex scenes that are skippable.

Full disclosure, I am not a fan of many romance books, but I find Alexander always delivers. This historical romance follows Lord Christopher Eden, a trans masc individual who must marry soon in order to retain his family inheritance. His primary problem is that he must protect his secret; his secondary problems include not being attracted to women and not wanting to leave his comfortable, less formal estate for London’s strictly ordered society. To keep up appearances, he must also finally hire a valet to accompany him. James Harding, handsome, severe, and pragmatic, is not at all what Christopher expects in a valet—or in someone to whom he becomes attracted.

Alexander once again delivers high quality writing and an engaging love story in this book. Their sensitive writing of this trans for trans (t4t) romance is coupled with well-rounded and likeable characters and richly described settings. I loved how the romance was integral to the book but it wasn’t the sole focus; there are personal and societal trials and adventures that Christopher must overcome that are equally important and interesting.

I think anyone who likes KJ Charles or Cat Sebastian's writing styles would really like this book. It has that posh, kind of pompous writing style that isn't for me but a lot of people really like in their historicals. Again, it just wasn't for me but that's just a writing style preference and has nothing to do with the story itself.

This was everything I expect from a TJ Alexander book and more. I was never a huge historical romance reader, and even now the only ones I enjoy are super specific, but this one checks every single box.

The trans rep was so beautiful. And it really made me interested in the medical care and communities that surrounded trans folks in the time. I wanted to know more. It was a beautiful introduction to a history I didn’t know about.

The characters are lovely and the romance is paced to perfection. I’ll read any historical romance TJ writes, gladly.

Thank you to Pantheon books and to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review. I really really enjoyed this historical regency romance. Lord Christopher Winterthorpe would much rather stay at home with his skeleton staff than involve himself in society life. But when his father’s will says he must take a wife to keep his title and land, he’s forced into the London party scene.

I don’t normally read a lot of historical but this caught my eye. There is amazing queer representation here showing trans people have always existed!! The story is written thoughtfully and with really lovely exposition. The climax/revelation is told beautifully. I can’t wait to go back and read TJ Alexander’s backlist too.

This was my first ever regency romance book! 😳 I never thought I would enjoy them, but I had to give this a try because I have loved this author’s contemporary romances.

The whole polite society and courtship thing isn’t inherently appealing to me, but the queer and trans representation here added layers and complexity that drew me into the setting. Seeing how the MC navigated daily life and how he was able to transition in this society was super interesting.

The romance was slow burn. A bit understated for my taste, but it fit well with the story. I like how TJ Alexander’s books have realistic obstacles but they center queer joy and I find the characters genuinely likeable. They’re sweet and witty without being over the top. This one had a great side character too - Plinkton! 😭💕

Also really good 🌸 spring vibes 🌸 because the MC is a recluse coming out of hibernation, wearing his cute outfits, and heading to the big city.

A Gentleman's Gentleman is a beautiful book. It follows some classic Romance beats, like marrying for inheritance, but provides a refreshing perspective - a very needed perspective in books: a trans perspective! The characters are soft - no dominant Alphas here - and the journey from strangers to lovers is gentle and hopeful. There are stakes, of course, but I found myself smiling while reading. The compulsion to finish the book was less about tension created by plot, and more about wanting to see the characters happy and fulfilled. That said, the characters are complex and flawed. They deal with heavy, emotional topics, including death and guilt. Despite that, it's a sweet story. One I love so much that I bought myself a copy, and I'm so glad I did because the feel of the book was as delightful as book itself. The page quality and cover made the book nice to hold. Plus the cover design is wonderful and unlike anything I've seen in recent Romance trends.

Trans joy forever! This historical romance was easy to get into with a very likable and relatable MMC, Christopher. You learn more about his daily life, his household as an Earl, and his family before you're introduced to his new valet, James Harding, the second MMC.

Harding is another great character from the start and jumps into taking care of Christopher in ways Christopher isn't used to. It was lovely to see their connection and trust build as their friendship did. There's beautiful revelations, trans affirmation, and resistance to cultural norms.

No spoilers, but there is a HEA. Queer historical romance is one of my favorite genres, and Alexander does a great job here.

Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia