A Gentleman's Position

The last book in KJ Charles' Society of Gentlemen trilogy wraps up the series in a thoroughly engaging manner. I knew that nothing could top the breathtakingly kinked relationship between Silas and Dominic from A Seditious Affair– but David and Richard came close. It was impossible to resist clever, redheaded, loyal David Cyprian, and his unparalleled ability to “fix things” for Richard and his friends. Unfortunately, Richard was portrayed in the previous two books as a wealthy prig (albeit a caring, well-meaning one) who let David do all of his dirty work so he could continue to have society's approval, and despite Charles' attempts to provide context for Richard's behavior (cold father, absent mother, society's mores, etc.), I never completely warmed up to him. His “courtship” of David included many tone-deaf, hurtful actions, and his efforts to help his friends consisted primarily of throwing his money and position around. However, he did make numerous (albeit clueless) attempts to do the right thing about his relationship with David, and he did have one glorious opportunity to get revenge on the man who had hurt his lover.

Overall, it was delightful to see all of the “Ricardians” working together to give the evil Maltravers his final comeuppance, and the book is worth four stars just for the scenes between Silas and David. I will miss all eight men from the series. I give the Charm of Magpies series a slight edge (and am still waiting for a sequel to Think of England), but I have no complaints if Charles wants to revisit this world (more Silas please?).

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.