The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a historical romance set in the Regency era, focusing on the intertwined lives of Gareth Inglis, who inherits a baronetcy, and Joss Doomsday, a smuggler on Romney Marsh. Their past relationship is rekindled as they navigate the complexities of smuggling, family secrets, and societal norms. The book is praised for its well-rounded characters, original plot, and the way it explores themes of love, second chances, and the challenges of building relationships in a time of homophobia.

K.J. Charles weaves a riveting tale that captures the essence of the Regency era, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and characters that feel authentic and compelling. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and adventure, drawing readers into the world of smugglers and aristocrats on Romney Marsh while addressing deeper themes of acceptance, redemption, and the impact of societal norms on personal relationships.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, featuring a smuggler and a newly minted baronet whose relationship evolves amidst themes of trust and personal growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vibrant and descriptive, effectively immersing readers in the world and characters while also infusing humor and a sense of moral complexity.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the conflict arising when a baronet, who has a past with a smuggler, finds himself in danger after he testifies against a criminal. This sets off a thrilling mix of adventure and romance amidst the historical context of smugglers.

Setting:

The setting is vividly crafted, capturing the atmosphere of Regency-era Kent and the intricacies of smuggling on the Romney Marsh.

Pacing:

The pacing is dynamic, effectively keeping the reader engaged and blending action with romantic tension.

Notes:

The book is set in Regency England during the early 1800s.

It features a mixed-race character whose grandfather was freed from slavery in America.

One character is a newly inherited baronet, Gareth, while the other, Joss, is a smuggler.

The story includes various tropes such as second chance romance and enemies to lovers.

There are numerous descriptive scenes of the Romney Marsh setting, enhancing the story's ambiance.

The book combines mystery, action, and a strong romantic plot with humor.

It features open door scenes, with a steam rating of about 4 to 5.

Supporting characters are well-developed, with hopes for their return in future books.

The narrative explores themes of class, morality, and the impacts of aristocracy on common people.

Several dangerous and thrilling events take place throughout the book, keeping readers engaged.

The author's writing allows readers to connect deeply with the characters' emotional journeys.

The protagonist, Gareth, discovers a passion for nature and the flora and fauna of the marsh.

The story is narrated in a dual point of view, showcasing both main characters' perspectives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of blackmail, assault, murder, sexual assault described as groping, child abuse, homophobia, and racism.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central focus of the story, featuring a deep emotional connection between the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Gothic scandal meets Bridgerton intrigue in this swashbuckling Regency romance from celebrated author KJ Charles.

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 stranger, 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.

The Marsh is another world, a strange, empty place notorious for its ruthless gangs of smugglers. And one of them is dangerously familiar...

Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. When the new baronet-his old lover-agrees to testify against Joss's sister, Joss acts fast to stop him. Their reunion is anything but happy, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. Soon, all Joss and Gareth want is the chance to be together. But the bleak, bare Marsh holds deadly secrets. And when Gareth finds himself threatened from every side, the gentleman and the smuggler must trust one another not just with their hearts, but with their lives.

Readers Rave about KJ Charles:

"KJ Charles is one of the best romance novelists writing today. Historical romance at its finest." -Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author

"Once again KJ Charles has produced an absolute masterpiece!" -Joanna Shupe, USA Today bestselling author

"A romantic, swashbuckling tale from start to finish."-Manda Collins, Bestselling Author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

Ratings (10)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (23):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (11)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen?

See the list (100 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More