So I am officially at the point where I will read anything by KJ Charles. This is the first book in the Society of Gentlemen series that follows a group of gay men in Regency England. They use their power and money to protect each other and create a safe little world where they can live and love the way they want, but it makes for close quarters and limited dating options.
This first book follows Harry Vane as he is admitted into the little group after finding out he is the long lost heir of a very rude and persnickety family. He is an orphan. His parents were radicals. And now he must learn to be a gentleman and marry and have an heir. A dandy named Julius is chosen to show Harry the ropes.
Harry underestimates how much he believed in the work his parents did and how much he resents the politics of the upper class. He is bisexual and at first does not think his affair with Julius will cause any problems when it comes time to marry. He is wrong.
Julius is a veteran of Waterloo and has cut off his emotions and has trouble connecting to people physically.
This is a wonderful blend of romance and politics and history (taking place around real events in 1819). Charles is a wonderful author that is amazing at characterization and chemistry.
Oh, man. If you loved this one, you are going to adore the second two, which I thought were much better than this one. The second one is my favorite, I think. I’ve read it three times, and third one twice. I’ve only read this one once.
I just posted about the second one! Loved it. I have not read three, am working up to it because so far I hate Richard. I know she will probably make me like him but…
Have you read the short story Ruin of Ashleigh? So hot.
I haven’t read that one yet. I think I thought it was too expensive for the length and I was being a baby about paying for it, haha.