A review by bel017
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

adventurous dark emotional
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Re-read: I was initially surprised when this open-door romance was chosen for my book club. But the more we went through it together, the more I realised what a good choice it is. It was even better on re-read, with close scrutiny of every chapter. KJ Charles can really write. If you like your adventures smutty (or your smut with a decent adventure) I'd highly recommend it.
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After how Luke was treated here, I'm looking forward to the next book, to make sure he's doing OK. Which, given he'll be the MC in a KJ Charles romance novel I'm sure he will be. But I'm furious at the whole Doomsday family, especially Ma, for turning a blind eye. She should have known, she should have acted.

Other than that awfulness, it was great. I googled images of Romney Marsh and Dymchurch, and it's much prettier than I expected. Probably the photos are all taken in summer and/or by the tourist board, but it looks lush and green--picturesque.
I get the impression Charles had a lot of fun researching this book, with the language and the bugs and the history.
There is all Charles's trademark excellence - the talky dialogue where people listen to each other, the thoughtful and capable MCs (though Gareth says he
wasn't a capable clerk. I'm going to assume his uncle told him that
), the respect and the nuance between not just the MCs but the side characters as well, the explicit sex that is relevant to the plot while not carrying unnecessary emotional weight (or ridiculous euphemisms), the commentary on societal issues, the clear writing and excellent grammar, and an enjoyable story outside of the romance. Basically all those things that ruined me for most other romance writers.
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