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The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen (The Doomsday Books, 1) Paperback – March 7, 2023

by KJ Charles (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,409 ratings
Editors' pick Best Romance
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Gothic scandal meets Bridgerton intrigue in this swashbuckling Regency romance from celebrated author KJ Charles.

Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely, prickly, and well-used to disappointment. Still, he longs for a connection. When he meets a charming stranger, he falls head over heels―until everything goes wrong and he's left alone again. Then Gareth's father dies, turning the shabby London clerk into Sir Gareth, with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh and a family he doesn't know.

The Marsh is another world, a strange, empty place notorious for its ruthless gangs of smugglers. And one of them is dangerously familiar…

Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. When the new baronet―his old lover―agrees to testify against Joss's sister, Joss acts fast to stop him. Their reunion is anything but happy, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. Soon, all Joss and Gareth want is the chance to be together. But the bleak, bare Marsh holds deadly secrets. And when Gareth finds himself threatened from every side, the gentleman and the smuggler must trust one another not just with their hearts, but with their lives.

Readers Rave about KJ Charles:

"KJ Charles is one of the best romance novelists writing today. Historical romance at its finest." ―Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author

"Once again KJ Charles has produced an absolute masterpiece!" ―Joanna Shupe, USA Today bestselling author

"A romantic, swashbuckling tale from start to finish."―Manda Collins, Bestselling Author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Doomsday Books
  2. Print length
    352 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Sourcebooks Casablanca
  5. Publication date
    March 7, 2023
  6. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1728255856
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1728255859
  9. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. One argument might have been convincing; three was the opposite. Three was encouraging, even.
    Highlighted by 195 Kindle readers
  2. “If you want something, you ask for it. You told me so, before. Is that always how you get what you want?” Joss shrugged. “You don’t get what you want by not asking for it.” Gareth contemplated the obvious truth of that statement. “I may have to change my approach to life.”
    Highlighted by 167 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

An unwary gentleman and his charming smuggler prince find love amidst skullduggery danger, and....

Praise from Sarah Maclean

Praise from Library Journal

Praise from Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As always, Charles combines masterful prose, thrilling romance, fantastic wit, and gripping stakes. Her characters feel as real and relatable as a bruise. She is, in my opinion, a titan of her genre." ― Talia Hibbert, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"KJ Charles weaves romance, intrigue, and history into one deliciously compelling read." ― Megan Frampton, author of Four Weeks of Scandal

"Once again KJ Charles has produced an absolute masterpiece! Joss and Gareth’s cross-class, emotional struggle will have you rooting for them on every page. Charles is one of the best writers in the game, and her books never disappoint!" ― Joanna Shupe, USA Today bestselling author

"Dangerous smuggler meets rule-abiding baronet in this gorgeously written novel brimming with romance, wit, emotion and mystery." ― Maya Rodale, USA Today bestselling author

"The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is equal parts a tender romance and a riveting story of smuggling and adventure. [A] joy to read from start to finish." ― Martha Waters, author of To Have and to Hoax

"With sparkling prose, evocative descriptions of its coastal locale, and unforgettable characters, The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a romantic, swashbuckling tale from start to finish. K. J. Charles is not to be missed by any reader who loves Regency Romance." ― Manda Collins, Bestselling Author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

"All I want from 2023 is romantic adventure and KJ Charles is delivering! The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen has it all: Smuggling! Blackmail! Secret rendezvous! Scoundrels! Sweethearts! Big feelings! KJ Charles is one of the best romance novelists writing today and The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is proof. Historical romance at its finest." ― Sarah MacLean, New York Times Bestseller

"A delightful new Regency romance." ― Library Journal, Starred Review

"A dark and stunning love story...Readers will devour this." ― Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Fans of Charles’ Society of Gentlemen series and new readers alike will adore this complex and emotional historical romance." ― BookPage, Starred Review

About the Author

KJ Charles spent twenty years as an editor in British publishing before fleeing the scene to become a full-time historical romance novelist. She has written over twenty-five novels since then and her books have been translated into eight languages. She lives in London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728255856
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728255859
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,409 ratings

About the author

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KJ Charles

KJ Charles

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KJ Charles is a recovering editor and RITA-nominated author. She lives in London with her husband, two kids, an out-of-control garden and a cat of absolute night. She writes mostly historical: queer romance, paranormal, fantasy, mystery. Shenanigans may occur. High body count.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,409 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars Spice and heart inside a great story
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved how much the MCs liked each other right from the start. I can sometimes enjoy the enemies to lovers trope, but I prefer when there is affection between the MCs from the start, and the drama is derived from other sources. Here, there was a separation after an initial connection and some angst about whether they would get back together. But that resolved pretty quickly and the book focused on the MCs learning how to navigate their relationship. Joss melted my heart with easy and open affection for Gareth (though of course not in public given the time period). The plot was playfully over the top without feeling ridiculous and was compelling. Normally I read these books for the romance and the spice and the plot is background noise. Here, I was drawn in by the plot and enjoyed how grounded it was in time and especially place. This book is a real gem.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Characters/Story, Poor Pacing
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2023
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I loved the characters and setting of this romance. The two leads had great chemistry and interesting backstories. Sadly, the pacing seemed off, especially at the end. It seemed like the book should have had at least 50-100 more pages to wrap up everything. Without spoiling it, let's just say there's a lot of action in the climax, and it seemed like the author was rushed to wrap up everything in the end. I would still recommend the series as a whole. hope the next book is longer, as the writing was really good overall, just a bit too rushed!
One person found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
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Love this one, A lovely glimpse into the smuggling world, with murder, criminals, family drama, and lots of heart and heat. Fun times for all ( except everyone who gets murdered).
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horse lover
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
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Enjoyed this book
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Mainer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful historical romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
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When Gareth Inglis inherits a baronetcy and moves to Romney Marsh, he doesn't expect to meet his former lover, Joss Doomsday, one of the resident smugglers. The two had parted acrimoniously and anonymously. Gareth, as an outmarsh, doesn't understand the nuances of smuggling, and Joss only wants to support his people.
This is a wonderful historical romance. Joss and Gareth are perfect for each other, and both are engaging characters in a well-thought-out setting. I've been fascinated with Romney Marsh since I read Kasey Michaels's romance series about the Becketts of Romney Marsh a long time ago and got a chance to visit it briefly. K.J. Charles does a beautiful job of bringing the Marsh to life, including people, flora, and fauna. Smuggling took place there for generations, but especially during the Napoleonic wars when goods from France were easy to bring across the Channel.
I can't wait for the next book, especially as it features Luke.
4 people found this helpful
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Myrna E. Traylor
4.0 out of 5 stars A Regency romance far from London
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023
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I can’t help it: I always enjoy KJ Charles’ novels. Like always, her characters are interesting and complicated, and I read this in one sitting. This tale of the emotionally damaged baronet and the forthright, honorable smuggler was a great read. Be prepared to dislike Gareth when he gets all priggish — but that is eventually dealt with, and in a manner that is quite believable.
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B Toan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently done!
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
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There's often a pretty low bar, when it comes to m/m fiction, in terms of genuine literacy. Reading gay adventure romance often requires toleration of misused words, redundancy of phrases, never mind poor punctuation and a lack of editing. KJ Charles is so capable that the reader can relax and enjoy her wit, her twisted plot lines, and humor that is actually funny. This one - The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen - is one of her best.
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Erin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
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Well I loved this!!! I hope later books with different beaus figure out some of the questions left unanswered at the end of this one!!!
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Top reviews from other countries

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MJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Reviewed in Canada on September 27, 2023
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I just want to spend all of my time on the the Kent lowlands now, with these characters in particular. My very favourite read this year.
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morganarosana
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfeita em tudo que se propõe
Reviewed in Brazil on April 7, 2023
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Eu adoro que a kj é simplesmente ótima em tudo que ela faz, cada livro que eu leio dela eu me apaixono. Rainha eterna.
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Amazing Catstomer
5.0 out of 5 stars What an utterly delightful book
Reviewed in Germany on February 20, 2024
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My first by the author, and I was hooked. I only wish there were more of her books in German
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Lyt
5.0 out of 5 stars Yes
Reviewed in France on November 3, 2023
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As always by KJ Charles, it's awesome. Please let us have more.
Love the Marsh, and the marsh-English spoken by Joss and his family.
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Mashara
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from KJ Charles
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2023
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There has been many years now that KJ Charles became an insta buy author but it is really interesting to me to see the marvelous progression of the writing.
And it is not like there was something off with the earlier books, I honestly have The Magpie Lord for ever as a favourite, but the latest books are such a joy. The characters are well rounded, the pacing is steady and balanced, it's just such a concise book.
I loved both Joss and Gareth, I love second chance in particular, and even if this is not fully one, I enjoy seeing characters that already know each other work their way back together.
The book is fun, funny, it has a strong moral compass, which does not mean it alligns with the law in any way shape or form, but it still has it, these characters are not morally grey, they just disagree with the law as it stands and I agree wholeheartedly, I am enjoying so much out of seeing several historical romances come to terms with what the aristocracy really is (luck and networking) and the damage the system does to the little people that are trying to live their lives, regardless of what German inbred cousin is currently wearing the crown - in this vein I remomend Cat Sebastian too.

It is also action packed, it has great sex scenes and a very satisfying ending.

Also all the secondary characters are as usual lovely (cannot WAIT to read Luke's book) and most importantly, as in all KJ Charles, horrible people deservedly die.
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