I really enjoyed this read. I liked Christopher as a main character, and I felt like, for the majority of the book, Christopher and Harding's relationship developed very organically and felt natural. I liked the side characters, and felt that most of them contributed to the book. The pace for most of the book felt very relaxed, and the relationship is definitely a slow burn, but the plot was progressing in every chapter in some way or another. Christopher's struggles with his grief and past felt very real, as did his process of learning to confront his grief.
However, Harding did feel somewhat one-dimensional in parts of the book. While part of it is that the book is from Christopher's perspective, it also seemed that some of Harding's character development was glossed over under the cover of time passing. That also made the ending feel a little rushed in my opinion, and I would have liked a few more chapters somewhere around the end of the book before the epilogue.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy!
Rating: 4.5/5, rounded to 4

I LOVE historical trans romances! Yes! Give me 10,000 more! I was absolutely obsessed with this book from the first chapter. The writing still is really go for the drama that occurred and I was honestly impressed. Queer stories are so important to share and this one is a great one that I will be recommending. I really like the lighthearted tone behind the story and all of the sarcastic, witty moments.

Thank you to Vintage Books for giving me the joy of reading this book early. All thoughts are my own!!

Christopher and Harding are so SOFT for each other!! Harding understands and cares for Christopher so deeply. Even though Christopher was trying to hide it, he was in love with Harding for a long time. I loved them so much. They were both willing to return to their previous lives to take care of the other, and I CRIED!! SOBBED!! Their unwillingness to let the other do so was so sweet. They had some moments that left me laughing and giggling, and I will think about them forever.

I adore this book, as I do with every book TJ Alexander writes. These characters have embedded themselves into my heart. TJ has a spectacular way of writing that is truly a wonder to behold. TJ’s books are pure queer joy, and it’s something we need to see more of in published books across all genres THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

This book is a SLOWWWWW burn, but I really enjoyed it. I think for the plot of the book and the characters involved it needed to be so slow for the genuine trust and care to grow between these characters. They had things that they couldn’t just share with anyone, so watching them build a relationship of trust and love was AMAZING!! I’m genuinely so sad this book wasn’t longer, just so I could spend more time with them.

I’m so curious about some of the side characters we met in this book, so I’m very excited to read the next book. I fear I will be unbearable to be around until I can read it.

Everything about this book was amazing and lovely and SO GOOD!! Every time I read one of TJ’s books, it just solidifies them as one of my all time favorite authors!!

A historical queer slow-burn romance? This book was right up my alley and did not disappoint.

I enjoyed the author's writing style and while some could be put off by the pace, I truly loved how slow the slow burn romance was. I struggle with how instantly some romances start in this genre so I was pleased to have this one stay at a cozy pace. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it did not ruin the reading experience for me. Overall, this was a cozy read and exactly the type of book I was looking for right now

This book was a delight to read. Christopher was really easy to like, and Harding too. I appreciate Christopher’s commitment not to lie to or use any of the women in the novel in his need for a marriage of convenience. That was a very refreshing take. It is slow burn, and I do wish there were a few more hints of yearning strung throughout, however I think the romance was done really well overall. I’d recommend this one pretty widely!

I was thrilled to be offered an advanced reader copy of this book and knowing the quality of T J Alexander's writing for Triple Sec, which left me stunned at its power and story, I thought this would be a good read, but I did not expect to be completely swept away by Lord Christopher Eden's personality and the cast of wonderfully vivid and well rounded characters that lived in the Eden Estate. But little did I know the best was yet to come, for when Lord Eden goes to London to enter the Marriage Market his need for a valet who knows all the current fashions requires a younger man. Enter James Harding with his own past and personality that has a magnetic draw to Christopher and further put me under this book's spell. However, that is all I will say about the plot because this book so finely plotted and so emotionally engaging that even the merest hint of events that will unfold may cause you to miss the enjoyment and blooming connection between these amazing characters.

I loved that this was a Queer romance done in the Regency Style that was true to the pace and tone of a Jane Austen era novel. This might be slow for some who are looking for a full out Bridgerton style Insta Love & Mad Carriage Race to the Wedding Aisle story; however, Alexander builds this plot knowingly, making every twist and hint of a twist to come part of the romance and, most important of all, central to the character development of both Lord Christopher and James. I loved being able to fall into Lord Christopher thinking and insecurities while watching this pair discover each other. Their hopes and simple joys made everything so much more powerful than what would have been hidden under the press of a Ton style romance. Meeting so many different character in such varried settings, allowed me see love in so many forms but always reminding me that Love is Love in the most realistic voices shared from a time when finding love and community was still hidden but no less beautiful.

This is a story that will leave you rooting for Lord Christopher and James to find their Happily Ever After while trying to puzzle out how that will come to be. This book will leave with the sweetest smile and the most wonderful sense of Love's ability to triumph while wondering if the characters you have met will be back in the future for their own story

“The world is wide and full of grace, I promise you.”

I received an eARC of A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander from Vintage Books in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts!

🌈 Lord Christopher Eden lives a life of solitude, forgoing the ton and its prying eyes to live his eccentric life in peace. This life Christopher has worked hard to make is threatened when his lawyers inform him that his father’s will demanded he marry by the end of the season or his full fortune would be lost.

Christopher isn’t attracted to women, nor does he think he’d be a satisfying husband, but he sees no choice but to try and find a wife all the same. With the help of James Harding, his new and ridiculously attractive valet, Christopher sets out to try and save his fortune.

Will the tentative friendship that Christopher and James have crafted survive this challenge or will the secrets they keep from one another bring all their plans crashing down? Pick up your own copy of A Gentleman’s Gentleman when it’s released on 3/11/25 to find out for yourself! 🌈

Y’all the way I squealed when I got approved for this arc should have been embarrassing, but I was too excited to care. TJ Alexander has written some of my favorite contemporary romances, so I was excited to see what they would do with a story set in the Regency era. And ya know what? It was pretty solid, but nothing a real stand out for me.

Christopher was a pretty good character, but James and their romance felt super undeveloped. I feel like this is a story that could’ve really benefited from dual pov, but maybe that’s just my obsession with mutual pining talking.

The trans rep was great, and I loved seeing how different characters approached that reality during the Regency era. Historical queer romances are always one of the best reminders that queer folks always have existed and always will.

Overall I give A Gentleman’s Gentleman 3.5 stars - glad that I read it, but probably won’t go out of my way to recommend it. And I’ll still be singing TJ Alexander’s praises and picking up anything they release in the future!

A Gentleman's Gentleman is the queer Bridgerton of my dreams. I loved the themes of friendship, chosen family, and compassion. More, please!

I have been a TJ Alexander fan since reading Chef’s Kiss, so I was super excited to get an eARC of their new adventure into Regency romance.

I don’t read historical fiction very often so I was a bit nervous to start this one, but as soon as I was introduced to quirky Christopher, I knew I was in the right place. Christopher is not the traditional type of nobility and does all that he can to avoid most of society. But when he learns that he will have to marry to keep his family’s fortune and estate, he is forced on a mission for a spouse with his new valet, James. James is used to tradition and Christopher’s eccentric ways put him out of his comfort zone.

I loved Christopher and James’ interactions throughout the novel, as they were filled with tension that made the perfect slow-burn romance. Trans voices matter and this book highlighted the joy and relief that one can have when they become the truest version of themselves.

Thank you Vintage and NetGalley for the eARC for review consideration!

This was just lovely. I've really enjoyed all of TJ Alexander's contemporary romances, and I am pleased to say that their first historical romance was just as wonderful and full of trans love and joy.

Oh my god this was such a fun book! If you like silly low stakes romances, this is definitely for you. I loved that it was an actual slow burn, and Christopher and Harding had great chemistry. When they finally get together, it feels earned. The two of them develop such a great friendship and eventual romance, and I loved how they warmed up to each other over the course of the book. And of course, I always love regency romances, and this did not disappoint.

(Warning: spoilers ahead!)

Now, I was already excited for a trans MC, but when it turned out to be a secret T4T romance I was ecstatic! As a trans person myself, it's important to read books with good representation, and this book definitely hit the mark. I liked the small hints sprinkled throughout the book about Harding and his transness, and the scene where it's finally revealed was perfect. It perfectly depicted the kinship when you feel someone that knows what it's like to be trans and the relief that you're not alone.

Overall, this book was so lovely and I really enjoyed it! I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes regency romance, but especially to trans people who like seeing themselves in stories.

An absolutely delightful historical romance, full of loveable characters, witty humor, and queer/trans representation. This is a very slow burn romance but I felt like it was worth it; the contrast between the two main characters' personalities was delightful to watch and I appreciated how the trans representation felt accurately portrayed for the time period. Would recommend for fans of KJ Charles.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was provided this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🏳️‍⚧️✨️A Gentleman's Gentleman is a Trans Regency romance about an earl, Lord Christopher, who is required to find a wife so he can keep his family home, fortune and title. But Christopher isn't interested in getting married and would rather be left alone. He's come to accept that love isn't something he gets to have. To make himself seem normal to London society, he reluctantly decides to hire a very handsome new valet, James Harding. The two start a shaky friendship and James even tries to help him secure a wife. But both men are keeping secrets that could ruin everything.

🔴Mild content warning for grief and PTSD

✨️I adored this book! Such a good time and a super quick read. I love Christopher and James so much. Oof, the yearning!! Sweet & silly at times. I was giggling and kicking my feet a lot! Other times I was sad for Christopher. I cried a lot, for the good things and bad. Lots of laugh out loud moments for me as well. There are some great plot twist in this one too. The slow burn romance is sloooow but SO good. I'm intentionally being sort of vague with this review because I want readers to experience it for themselves because this book is so damn good. Overall it was lots of fun and it was a great portrayal of what life might've been like to be trans and queer during this time period.

Please preorder and buy this book when it comes out on March 11th! It's so important, now more than ever. Trans lives matter. The love & joy & hope in this book is exactly what is needed right now. TJ deserves all the praises and I can't for the sequel!✨️

Historical romance will always have a special place in my heart, and I especially love when authors make some much needed diversity additions to the genre. Now this book was more slow moving than I expected, but it was overall a very relaxing read for me. Which at the time, I very much needed. Christopher & James are so wonderful together, their chemistry is immediate but the romance is such a great slow burn. I honestly loved this book!

It’s worth noting that Trans books in any form are always going to a powerful act of resistance in a world where governments are constantly trying to erase their existence. And to me, there is something so profoundly epic about Trans historical romance books in particular. They are a proud declaration that Trans folks have and always will exist.

*huge thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review

This cozy read was intriguing from the start. Characters were easy to connect with and the story had good pacing. Love this author!

I absolutely adored this story from TJ Alexander. While I've been a big fan of their writing for years, I don't read much regency or historical romance, so I wasn't sure how this would be for me as a reader. I really enjoyed getting to experience Alexander's writing within this capacity and truly had a blast. They bring their humor and cleverness to a new genre of romance, all while including the tenderness one can expect from TJ Alexander. The pacing was great along with the reveals of certain plot points. I immediately had so much affection for Christopher and felt that he was written so well, along with aspects of his past. One thing that I always say about TJ Alexander is that their writing will make you laugh out loud, and that absolutely happened with this story. I loved getting to experience their writing in a new way, and would actually love to see more from them in this style!

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor for the ARC of a Gentleman’s Gentleman in exchange for an honest review. What a charming and necessary piece of literature!

A Gentleman’s Gentleman follows reclusive and elusive Lord Christopher Eden, who reluctantly takes on a manservant in preparation for his voyage to London to find a wife. Christopher is in danger of losing his inheritance without a wife, and James Harding seems just the ticket to his success. Young and encouraging, his new valet is eager to attend to his new master, and deftly takes on the conundrum as their shared problem. Upon arriving in London, the search begins, but not before Christopher must re-consider love and all of its hopeless possibilities.

Short and sweet, with lovable characters, engaging dialogue, and a queer edge, a Gentleman’s Gentleman proves that the romance genre is alive and well, and thriving in its inclusivity of more diverse and exceptional protagonists. The chemistry between Christopher and Harding is crackling, but what this book really has is heart. It’s easy to stay hidden away, perhaps even required at times for safety, but we always need the reminder that somewhere out there is the place we belong, and the people we belong with.

i absolutely LOVED this one and i loved the characters. it was so well done, they all felt real, and the xhemistry was gorgeous. no critiques. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

3.5 stars

This was a fun Regency romance with a twist. Thanks so much to Vintage Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Lord Christopher Eden has no use for many things that other men of his station desire. He’d rather spend time with his elderly butler and cook than socialize with other people his age, and beyond them, he doesn’t need other servants. He is perfectly happy caring for and riding his horse, spending his free time with his books.

But when he finds out from his solicitors that his late father’s will requires he must marry before he turns 25, it throws his life into chaos. Given that he’s not attracted to women, and as a trans man, has secrets he has kept from most everyone, he can’t imagine he’d be able to make a wife happy.

But in order to ensure his family’s legacy isn’t destroyed, he must go to London for the season and find a wife. He also has to appear to have all of the trappings a man of his station requires, so he must hire a valet to take with him to London, a task he asks his solicitor to handle. And James, his new valet, is exceedingly handsome (although fixated on the traditional role of a valet), which complicates things further.

Christopher and James start becoming friends once they navigate Christopher’s need for privacy. But when they get to London, tensions start to rise, as Christopher has to find a woman to marry. And both men are sharing secrets which could change it all.

I am a fan of TJ Alexander’s books and I definitely loved the concept of this story. It is just the slowest of slow burns and I really wanted things to happen quicker. But I really enjoyed the characters.

The book will publish 3/11/2025.

Lovely, lovely, lovely. I've been a fan of TJ Alexander's works since the beginning, and this is a worthwhile and beautiful addition to their bibliography. Will recommend everywhere!