booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A NOBLEMAN'S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A SCOUNDREL is tense, witty, and very sexy, existing as a sequel to wrap up few things left hanging from THE SECRET LIVES OF COUNTRY GENTLEMEN while delivering a full story in its own right. I won't be more specific in this review, because it it's pretty far into the book before this is stated explicitly and it operates on several levels. The biggest thing that's continued is that Luke, who was a child in the first book, is a main character now as an adult and is half of the romantic pair at the center of the story. It's interesting because as I was reading the first one I thought that it was a complete story, and then this sequel makes it feel more like the two books are halves of a whole. The weird part for me, when trying to assess whether this can stand on its own, is that if taken from Rufus's perspective, it really does. He doesn't know any of the previous events, and so someone who read this book without reading the first one would have an experience closer to Rufus, and anyone who has read the first one would be closer to Luke's understanding of the situation.
I love Luke as a secretary, the characterization is so precise that it firmly establishes his adult self in this new story on his own terms. Rufus fits him well, and I like them as a pair. The worldbuilding is consistent with the first book, but it assumes a familiarity with the Marsh and takes for granted that either the reader won't need a great deal of explanations, or is satisfied with the level of information which Rufus acquires.
I love Luke as a secretary, the characterization is so precise that it firmly establishes his adult self in this new story on his own terms. Rufus fits him well, and I like them as a pair. The worldbuilding is consistent with the first book, but it assumes a familiarity with the Marsh and takes for granted that either the reader won't need a great deal of explanations, or is satisfied with the level of information which Rufus acquires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Confinement
Moderate: Ableism, Torture, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape, Abandonment, Child abuse, Miscarriage, and Murder
kal517's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Confinement, and Child abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, and Murder
Minor: Grief, Physical abuse, and Rape
so_many_books's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
You can easily tell if I loved a book by the number of sleepless nights I stay up reading it. Well, this book caused me two sleepless nights because I couldn't put it down and flew through it. I absolutely loved this one!
KJ Charles is royalty when it comes to historical queer romances. The way the historical setting is intertwined with modern storytelling makes all her book wonderfully unique.
In The Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel, we get a glimpse into that wonderful storytelling with an exciting mystery, a good portion of angst and loveable characters.
Rufus, a newly inherited earl of Oxney, is out of his depth in his new home and estate. The tenant affairs are neglected, the books are chaotic, the family wants him gone, and the servants don't know who to side with. To put it lightly, it's not looking good.
After spending months in legal battle with his uncle about the inheritance, the last thing he needs is a Doomsday showing up with an unproven story about his mother being briefly married to Rufus's father, an causing the inheritance claims to rise up again.
Luke Doomsday goes to Stone Manor with a purpose, to find a place after his last employment going up in flames. Though he doesn't expect easily winning the position as a secretary while people are looking for the truth about his estranged mother, he loves the position from day one.
The story goes pretty straightforward after the chaotic beginning. Rufus and Luke's friendship grows quickly and deeply during the efforts to get the estate affairs in order. However, apart from the doubts regarding Rufus's earldom, there's one or two more mystery at Stone Manor that could wipe away the happy bliss between them.
There were actual plot elements I didn't expect at all, which resulted in my staying up way past my bedtime to find out what was actually going on.
While the storytelling is always marvellous in KJ's books, the characters are the ones that make you stay. This book also has a loveable and "hateable" set of characters.
Our two MCs are the highlight.
Rufus is the honest, quick tempered soldier, turned earl. His character is this strong pillar. And while he seems rather charismatic and forceful with his words, he is also very good and kind at heart who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Not even his dreadful uncle and cousins who hurt him with words all the time.
Luke is the perfect balance to Rufus. He's also good intentioned at heart, but he's not afraid to cunning and a bit manipulating to reach his goals. He's also a little broken by his past, which leads him to make questionable choices. I think he's the one who developed more in character ut of the two of them.
Their love story is very sweet. They start out as quick friends who just make each other's lives better. But their affection turns into romance and attraction rapidly. There are some spicy scenes in the book, but they are not too much (but spicy hot).
I loved how the tender love between them is depicted as strong and long-lasting. Even through the angst and the hurt and the drama.
The other significant characters are Rufus's family, his uncle, aunt, and three cousins. All of them have a substantial part in the story. His uncle and aunt are adamant about finding a way to get the title and kick Rufus out. They are so appalling that I had the urge to just shake them to their senses. Goo characters to hate.
The cousins are more in the grey area. While they don't trust Rufus, they also have countless issues with their parents, which create delicious family drama. That dram escalates through the book, and I absolutely ate it up.
We also have some loved characters from the first book in the series showing up. Garreth, Joss, and Emily all have their moment with Luke on the Doomsday side. They provide a seemless connection between the books.
Honestly, I could talk a lot about all the wonderful things about this book. When I finished, I was thinking about how to rate it and what would I have changed. But I realized I absolutely loved the story as it was and couldn't really change anything about it. It has romance, a great historical setting, and more than one mystery.
If you like historical romance, then you should definitely pick this one up!
KJ Charles is royalty when it comes to historical queer romances. The way the historical setting is intertwined with modern storytelling makes all her book wonderfully unique.
In The Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel, we get a glimpse into that wonderful storytelling with an exciting mystery, a good portion of angst and loveable characters.
Rufus, a newly inherited earl of Oxney, is out of his depth in his new home and estate. The tenant affairs are neglected, the books are chaotic, the family wants him gone, and the servants don't know who to side with. To put it lightly, it's not looking good.
After spending months in legal battle with his uncle about the inheritance, the last thing he needs is a Doomsday showing up with an unproven story about his mother being briefly married to Rufus's father, an causing the inheritance claims to rise up again.
Luke Doomsday goes to Stone Manor with a purpose, to find a place after his last employment going up in flames. Though he doesn't expect easily winning the position as a secretary while people are looking for the truth about his estranged mother, he loves the position from day one.
The story goes pretty straightforward after the chaotic beginning. Rufus and Luke's friendship grows quickly and deeply during the efforts to get the estate affairs in order. However, apart from the doubts regarding Rufus's earldom, there's one or two more mystery at Stone Manor that could wipe away the happy bliss between them.
There were actual plot elements I didn't expect at all, which resulted in my staying up way past my bedtime to find out what was actually going on.
While the storytelling is always marvellous in KJ's books, the characters are the ones that make you stay. This book also has a loveable and "hateable" set of characters.
Our two MCs are the highlight.
Rufus is the honest, quick tempered soldier, turned earl. His character is this strong pillar. And while he seems rather charismatic and forceful with his words, he is also very good and kind at heart who doesn't want to hurt anyone. Not even his dreadful uncle and cousins who hurt him with words all the time.
Luke is the perfect balance to Rufus. He's also good intentioned at heart, but he's not afraid to cunning and a bit manipulating to reach his goals. He's also a little broken by his past, which leads him to make questionable choices. I think he's the one who developed more in character ut of the two of them.
Their love story is very sweet. They start out as quick friends who just make each other's lives better. But their affection turns into romance and attraction rapidly. There are some spicy scenes in the book, but they are not too much (but spicy hot).
I loved how the tender love between them is depicted as strong and long-lasting. Even through the angst and the hurt and the drama.
The other significant characters are Rufus's family, his uncle, aunt, and three cousins. All of them have a substantial part in the story. His uncle and aunt are adamant about finding a way to get the title and kick Rufus out. They are so appalling that I had the urge to just shake them to their senses. Goo characters to hate.
The cousins are more in the grey area. While they don't trust Rufus, they also have countless issues with their parents, which create delicious family drama. That dram escalates through the book, and I absolutely ate it up.
We also have some loved characters from the first book in the series showing up. Garreth, Joss, and Emily all have their moment with Luke on the Doomsday side. They provide a seemless connection between the books.
Honestly, I could talk a lot about all the wonderful things about this book. When I finished, I was thinking about how to rate it and what would I have changed. But I realized I absolutely loved the story as it was and couldn't really change anything about it. It has romance, a great historical setting, and more than one mystery.
If you like historical romance, then you should definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Bullying, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Abandonment and Physical abuse
Minor: Child abuse and Rape
bel017's review against another edition
Just as good as the first one. Well written, romantic, and smutty, with lots of history and witty banter. Somehow Charles balances sensitively handling traumas and gothic villains. Also some excellent cameos and mentions of previous characters--Luke even has a copy of *Jonathon*.
What I would have liked is an author's note. Charles has obviously done a mountain of research then hidden it in the story, it would have been nice to know a little more about the historically accurate parts.
What I would have liked is an author's note. Charles has obviously done a mountain of research then hidden it in the story, it would have been nice to know a little more about the historically accurate parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Physical abuse, Murder, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
firefly's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Confinement
Moderate: Bullying, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Physical abuse and Rape
greatestheights's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
screaming, crying, flinging myself into Romney Marsh because I CANNOT handle how good this sequel was. I could read an entire history penned by Otto on this whole beautiful cast of characters (minus the requisite villains) just living their lives quietly and happily forever, as they so richly deserve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Child abuse, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying
Minor: Rape
onthesamepage's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
Steam level: 🌶🌶🌶
If you haven't read The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen yet, do that first before picking this one up, unless you don't mind being spoiled for the entire plot of the first book. It's not that this can't be read on its own, but one of the main characters has a very significant role in book 1, so the emotional impact will be greater if you've already read that.
I tend to love romances where the characters are going through something. Usually it's trauma from their past that they have to deal with, either alone or with the help and support of their newfound partner, and those moments can really hit for me. And there are so many moments in this book.
Tropes:
Spoiler
secrets and lies, protectivenessSteam level: 🌶🌶🌶
If you haven't read The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen yet, do that first before picking this one up, unless you don't mind being spoiled for the entire plot of the first book. It's not that this can't be read on its own, but one of the main characters has a very significant role in book 1, so the emotional impact will be greater if you've already read that.
I tend to love romances where the characters are going through something. Usually it's trauma from their past that they have to deal with, either alone or with the help and support of their newfound partner, and those moments can really hit for me. And there are so many moments in this book.
“Don’t ask me not to care. Don’t ask me not to act when you’re in pain. You asked me for my protection when we first met and I promised you’d have it. I don’t go back on my word.”
When I read the synopsis, I didn't even realize that this Luke is the same Luke we meet in the first book, all grown up now, which made me feel properly foolish when his scar was described and I had an "OH!" moment. But knowing all these details about how Luke came to be who he is really made seeing his growth something beautiful. I felt so much for him and his pain, and whenever he broke down and looked for support in Rufus my heart just ached. Luke's journey is about healing from trauma, and I loved the way this was handled.
It's also interesting to me that the author didn't do anything with Rufus's involvement in a war, since there was definitely potential for PTSD, but I actually appreciated that it wasn't part of the story.
“You let me sleep here!”
“You fell asleep. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”
“Brains,” Luke growled. “It’s brains you lack, not heart.”
Part of what I really liked about Rufus is his energy. He's very straightforward and doesn't have the right mindset for getting what he wants through subtlety. This can make him brusque, and he's quick to anger, but it's usually on someone else's behalf, be it Luke, his tenants, or (some) members of his family. I love this kind of protective streak in protagonists. Some of my favourite moments had to do with him reacting in an unexpectedly enthusiastic way, when we see so much of him being frustrated. I do think Luke stole the show for me, though.
Rufus and Luke don't necessarily have the best banter, but they do have a lot of heartfelt conversations. The conflict in their relationship is internal, and I think it took about the right amount of time to resolve, although I can understand that not everyone will feel this way. Some might consider what happened unforgiveable, but I appreciated that understanding the context made a difference in how the characters dealt with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Child abuse and Rape
lizzietherebel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a delight to read the second installment in KJ Charles’ The Doomsday Books series. I enjoyed the first book immensely, but A Nobleman’s Guide was even more enjoyable. I really love that this book follows the story of Luke as an adult, revealing the profound way that the events of the first book (in which he is 13) have shaped him and influenced the trajectory of his life, and the way that by the end of the book he is able to finally work through his traumas. A Nobleman’s Guide is poignant, tender, and compelling, with a delicious helping of angst, mystery, and of course, steamy romance. Luke and Rufus have a sparking chemistry that keeps the pages turning, while Luke has a secret of his own that, when revealed, is devastating to the reader and Rufus alike, and really raises the stakes of the whole novel. I adore this universe, the Gothic marsh/isle setting, and the Doomsday family as a whole and I absolutely inhaled this ARC once I got past the first chapter or two. I only hope Charles will grace us with a third novel in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Rape
a_rich_read's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Ableism, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Classism, Grief, Abandonment, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, Death of parent, Rape, and Confinement
_isabel_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was gorgeous.
KJ Charles is really one of the best authors out there: her writing, the sheer amount of skill she puts into creating well-rounded, complex, wonderfully flawed and lovable characters, her storytelling and the absolutely compelling plots... Nobody does it like her, especially in this kind of genre.
And "A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel" is no exception.
I loved this book to bits, even though it took me quite a few more days than usual to finish it (I blame Good Omens *sobbing noises* and my damned summer reading slump).
I've been so excited about Luke's story since he first appeared in "The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen": what he was put through was horrific, and I really could not wait to see how Adult Luke would turn out to be, how he would deal with it all, and how precisely he would get away with an unexpected, inconvenient romance with the new Earl of Oxney (aka Rufus; aka the most delicious and angry grump to ever grump, with the biggest, most kindest heart, and yes, you can say I loved him quite a bit).
Their romance stole my heart; it develops in an unexpected way, much to their dismay, since it's got a bit of a forbidden, employer/employee, class and age gap, vibe going on, and it's also fueled by fierce chemistry and sexual tension, and an understanding of one another, that was both exciting and sexy, and damned moving, and I adored it.
It's also fraught with miscommunication, a fair bit of misleading and secretive scheming and lying; but all of that kept me hooked. The plot was a mixture of romance and mystery, and I adored every single second of it.
As protagonists, Luke and Rufus are both fleshed out in a very vivid, very realistic way; they felt like real people, like flawed and complex men, and their respective character arcs were absolutely gorgeous to witness.
In some ways, they reminded me of Kim and Will (from the Will Darling Adventures, aka my most favourite book series of all time and my favourite of KJ Charles'), with Luke being all secretive, cunning, a tad vulnerable and a scheming, infuriating schemer; and Rufus, being perfectly, and violently, competent and reliable and good and stubborn.
Needless to say, I loved them to bits and their relationship and the dynamic between them was pretty much addictive: sweet and sexy, moving and heartfelt.
So why am I docking half a star? No spoilers, but there were some things (in the epilogue mainly) that gave me pause, and made their romance feel less romance-y. I don't know, in some ways it was new and different and pretty much realistic, in other ways I wish it had been done differently. I don't want to worry people, because Rufus and Luke are definitely (and unambiguously) HEA, but there was a teeny, tiny, unexpected plot twist at the end that kinda made my enjoyment of their HEA less enjoyable.
I might change my mind when I re-read this, but for now that is what I think (re: people who have read this book, tell me your thoughts please).
Anyway, it was a lovely book, and all the side characters (and even the villains!) were absolutely, masterfully created, and I am still thoroughly obsessed and absolutely in awe with how skilled and how much of a genius KJ Charles is, especially at character building and arcs.
I loved seeing Gareth and Joss again, I loved Luke and Rufus, and I loved this book. If you are new to this author, you can literally start anywhere in her backlist because every single book of hers is a masterpiece. I wholly recommend it.
Also, for longtime fans of KJ Charles: there are easter eggs, and I SCREECHED *nod of approval*
TWs/CWs: child abuse (emotional, physical; mentioned), death, murder, rape (of secondary characters, mentioned).
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
KJ Charles is really one of the best authors out there: her writing, the sheer amount of skill she puts into creating well-rounded, complex, wonderfully flawed and lovable characters, her storytelling and the absolutely compelling plots... Nobody does it like her, especially in this kind of genre.
And "A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel" is no exception.
I loved this book to bits, even though it took me quite a few more days than usual to finish it (I blame Good Omens *sobbing noises* and my damned summer reading slump).
I've been so excited about Luke's story since he first appeared in "The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen": what he was put through was horrific, and I really could not wait to see how Adult Luke would turn out to be, how he would deal with it all, and how precisely he would get away with an unexpected, inconvenient romance with the new Earl of Oxney (aka Rufus; aka the most delicious and angry grump to ever grump, with the biggest, most kindest heart, and yes, you can say I loved him quite a bit).
Their romance stole my heart; it develops in an unexpected way, much to their dismay, since it's got a bit of a forbidden, employer/employee, class and age gap, vibe going on, and it's also fueled by fierce chemistry and sexual tension, and an understanding of one another, that was both exciting and sexy, and damned moving, and I adored it.
It's also fraught with miscommunication, a fair bit of misleading and secretive scheming and lying; but all of that kept me hooked. The plot was a mixture of romance and mystery, and I adored every single second of it.
As protagonists, Luke and Rufus are both fleshed out in a very vivid, very realistic way; they felt like real people, like flawed and complex men, and their respective character arcs were absolutely gorgeous to witness.
In some ways, they reminded me of Kim and Will (from the Will Darling Adventures, aka my most favourite book series of all time and my favourite of KJ Charles'), with Luke being all secretive, cunning, a tad vulnerable and a scheming, infuriating schemer; and Rufus, being perfectly, and violently, competent and reliable and good and stubborn.
Needless to say, I loved them to bits and their relationship and the dynamic between them was pretty much addictive: sweet and sexy, moving and heartfelt.
So why am I docking half a star? No spoilers, but there were some things (in the epilogue mainly) that gave me pause, and made their romance feel less romance-y. I don't know, in some ways it was new and different and pretty much realistic, in other ways I wish it had been done differently. I don't want to worry people, because Rufus and Luke are definitely (and unambiguously) HEA, but there was a teeny, tiny, unexpected plot twist at the end that kinda made my enjoyment of their HEA less enjoyable.
I might change my mind when I re-read this, but for now that is what I think (re: people who have read this book, tell me your thoughts please).
Anyway, it was a lovely book, and all the side characters (and even the villains!) were absolutely, masterfully created, and I am still thoroughly obsessed and absolutely in awe with how skilled and how much of a genius KJ Charles is, especially at character building and arcs.
I loved seeing Gareth and Joss again, I loved Luke and Rufus, and I loved this book. If you are new to this author, you can literally start anywhere in her backlist because every single book of hers is a masterpiece. I wholly recommend it.
Also, for longtime fans of KJ Charles: there are easter eggs, and I SCREECHED *nod of approval*
TWs/CWs: child abuse (emotional, physical; mentioned), death, murder, rape (of secondary characters, mentioned).
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Murder, and Death
Minor: Rape