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cheye13's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Homophobia, Torture, Violence, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Slavery, Grief, and Pregnancy
- There is understated threat of blackmailing both main characters with homosexual/sodomy allegations throughout the book>
- Because semi-organized crime is a large part of the plot, there is violence and threats of violence throughout
- There is a torture scene, which is detailed but brief, consisting primarily of threats and culminating in a drowning attempt
- There are mentions of a past rape and veiled threats of rape
- The child abuse happens largely off-page, but the results are quite detailed, and it ultimately culminates in a knifing attempt
kaneebli's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: Outing
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Rape, Slavery, and Pregnancy
wanderingtales's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Grief, Pregnancy, and War
crystalisreading's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Grief, and Outing
Minor: Misogyny, Slavery, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
ramakn22's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Confinement, Cursing, Homophobia, Infertility, Sexual violence, Slavery, Grief, Pregnancy, and Outing
callidoralblack's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Rape, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
autumnrosepetals's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Pregnancy
purplepenning's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Outing, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Deportation
srm's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Torture, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism
elliott_roi's review
4.5
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a sweet and spicy tale full of danger, both physical and emotional. I adored all the characters and their complexities, and the mystery kept me engaged throughout.
I went into this book not knowing anything about it except that it was by KJ Charles and I would recommend doing the same. But for those okay with more details, here is my full review:
This book is best described as a historical romance between a baronet with daddy issues and a smuggler with a heart of gold. I loved how immediately Gareth and Joss were drawn to each other, but still taking their time to figure out how to be truly vulnerable and to lean on one another.
KJ Charles always writes the perfect balance of spice, mystery, and truly heartfelt moments. There is also lovely humour woven throughout the story, which I always appreciate, especially to lighten some of the tougher topics.
Fans of historical fiction, mystery, and queer romance will appreciate this well-crafted story about two men trying to find themselves and each other in a world that is harsh and dangerous. I highly recommend The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen for your next read as you wander the Marsh hunting for beetles (or true love).
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Torture, and Outing
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy