The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

I feel like I should write two reviews: one for long-time fans of K.J. Charles, and another for newbies who found The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen in their bookstores or libraries because it is KJC's first release by a traditional publisher (Sourcebooks). So -For KJC Chatters and others who have loved her for years - SLoCG is delightful. The body count is fairly low, the MCs are mismatched-but-perfect-for-each-other, the humor is sharp, and the plot is layered without being overly complicated. It does feel like KJC is holding back just a little bit; neither MC is as diab0lical as Jerry ([b:Any Old Diamonds 42925241 Any Old Diamonds (Lilywhite Boys, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546949049l/42925241.SX50.jpg 66705142]) or has questionable morals like Justin ([b:An Unnatural Vice 32161804 An Unnatural Vice (Sins of the Cities, #2) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1480582018l/32161804.SY75.jpg 52798546]). But that's fine with me if it gains KJC a wider audience. I'd love to see her be as successful as [a:Alexis Hall 7032108 Alexis Hall https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1533751064p2/7032108.jpg], another author of queer romance who is currently releasing a mix of self-and traditionally-published novels. For KJC newbies: Congratulations, you've found an author who is currently unparalleled in creating historical/sometimes paranormal/mostly queer romance. If other romance novelists are cubic zirconia, KJC is 24 karat gold. (Only don't talk too loudly about valuable objects because several of her characters are likely to steal them). Now that you have read SLoCG I am sure you want to explore her backlist, so I will generously provide a few suggestions for where to start:1) [b:The Magpie Lord 34715150 The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490703800l/34715150.SY75.jpg 24803707], its 2 sequels, and 3 “Magpie World” books: Paranormal, high body count, tall brooding aristocrat and short but powerful magic practitioner. KJC's first release and still one of her best. 2) [b:Band Sinister 39345944 Band Sinister K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1537454594l/39345944.SY75.jpg 60995770]: Zero body count, wicked hell-raiser seduces innocent country boy and realizes he has a heart. It's KJC's queered version of Georgette Heyer minus the anti-Semitism and racism. 3) [b:Any Old Diamonds 42925241 Any Old Diamonds (Lilywhite Boys, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546949049l/42925241.SX50.jpg 66705142], its prequel and sequel: Moderate body count. Impoverished Duke's son hires the infamous and dangerous Lilywhite Boys to steal a priceless necklace from his abhorrent father. Nobody is telling the entire truth even as a steamy romance ensues. 4) [b:Slippery Creatures 52237989 Slippery Creatures (The Will Darling Adventures, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1587519719l/52237989.SY75.jpg 77319427], and the other 2 books in the Will Darling Adventures: High body count. WWI-weary MC inherits a bookstore, becomes entangled in danger, intrigue, and a charming, wealthy, lying POS. HEA not guaranteed until third book as the lying POS gradually proves himself trustworthy and the bookstore owner gradually learns that he has feelings. And my absolute favorite:5) [b:Think of England 34715257 Think of England (England World, #2) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490705360l/34715257.SY75.jpg 40168913]: High body count. Himbo with almost no self-awareness who experiences occasional berserker rages joins a house party to discover who sabotaged his army unit. He meets an effete, decadent poet who proves surprisingly helpful with his mission and his heretofore unacknowledged queerness. Features two female secondary characters who were so memorable that they eventually got their own book ([b:Proper English 44420645 Proper English (England World, #1) K.J. Charles https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554298689l/44420645.SY75.jpg 68974183]). Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of KJC's work. To reiterate one of her best quotes, You will be charmed and delighted...or I will f*cking make you. Happy reading!