A Gentleman's Position

"...but we know who is really the master here."

Worth the wait of several months since the last one. And when I say wait, I mean I'm impatient. It's only like five to six months between books, but they're that good and I'm that hooked on the characters.

There's a weird thing that's happened to me this series - at first I was intrigued at the concept with the first book, Harry and Julius in A Fashionable Indulgence. I had some issues with some of the plot complications in it not being some of my favorite tropes, but I enjoyed it overall. Still, when it was over I couldn't wait for the story of Dominic and Silas, it sounded even more intriguing. After months of waiting, I devoured A Seditious Affair, figuring that would be the book I wanted show more the most, but when I closed THAT one (a book better than the first, by the way), I couldn't wait for this third and final one, to show the relationship between Lord Richard and his valet, Cyprian.

Third time's a charm - or should I say, all three books were charms, but this is the biggest gem in the pack?

There's a reason why K.J. Charles remains my favorite romance novelist. She creates stories in different worlds and with different characters - some paranormal and others not - and makes them rock in all ways - personal, societal, wide-reaching, friendship. The Society of Gentlemen focuses on a few very different men who bond over much, namely their nonconventional and illegal sexual preferences. They all have heart, they all have issues and past hang-ups, but they all finally meet their matches in this series.

Fascinating blending - Lord Richard as always been the more powerful and influential of the group, overseeing everyone's wishes to keep them out of trouble, the key instrument in bringing in Harry from the first book, a long-found relative he asks Julius to train up in the way of the world. It is to he and his valet that they turn to rescue Silas in the second book....it's only fitting that his time has finally come here. I admit he was off-putting and too over-handed before to where I wasn't crazy about him, but now that I've been in his head, I totally get it. And Cyprian? He was always fascinating, from scene one in book one.

By exploring more of his nature, K.J. Charles kept the exciting character alive without changing him from previous impressions in other books, but he comes more fully alive and explained with his third tale. His friendship with Silas was hilarious - loved their interchanges, and now can't wait to read the free short story she just released as a bonus for joining her newsletter. The two as friends, doing stuff the "Lordships can't handle or fix themselves" is priceless. Street strength and loyalty crosses perfectly.

We see all of the group in this final full-length story, which just makes me want to re-read the series eventually. I'm sure I will, how can I resist otherwise? And the ending battle with Lord Maltravers, a worthy villain of the snobbish ton, was priceless. A great ending for our group - including Silas making another positive change in his life that I liked to see.

The story is a strong one on the emotional strengths and entangles the group always manages to get into - sigh, that sweet but hopeless Ash - so the bedroom play doesn't dominate the story. That comes much later after talking and thinking and the old song and dance between two people who love each other but can't cross that line to broach the breach. When it does come up, it's almost perfect, sweet and convincing and what I was hoping for.

If you like historical romantic m/m fiction, this series is an absolute MUST. Really, if you like any m/m fiction, this series is a must, historical fan or not.

Recap -

Ash and Francis (Short Story) - The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh
Harry and Julius - A Fashionable Indulgence
Silas and Dominic - A Seditious Affair
Richard and Cyprian - A Gentleman's Position show less

Lord Richard Vane can do no wrong: an upstanding gentleman with means of his own, amiable to every single one of his servants, a faithful younger brother, and a friend who'll even confront the crown for you. He's so perfect, that even marriage demands are never more than a gentle suggestion, whereas anyone else in his position would, at least, get a direct order.

Well, to be honest, Lord Richard Vane is only perfect, when his desires are met to perfection. Luckily for him, he employs David Cyprian, the single most capable valet in existence, whose sole purpose in life is to satisfy his lord's every wish. David's actually been hoping to fulfill a wish of a different nature, unfortunately his Lord's morals won't allow for it. But a "well show more timed" set of tragic events manage loosen even Lord Richard's iron-clad defenses.

The prospect of yet another apologetic review, extolling my lack of appreciation for realistic regency romances, actually made me consider dropping the series. I'm glad I persevered, because this last installment proved to be so much better than the previous two.

The book starts out like its prequels, where the two protagonists from vastly different social circles are placed side by side. Additionally, neither Richard nor David come highly recommended, based on the previous two books. Interestingly enough, it's the protagonists' perfect partnership, professional and personal, that manages to achieve "real" equality in the relationship.

My problem with the previous books was that, I always felt that the "disadvantaged" participant had to overcome his initial position, in order to get to "properly" enjoy the relationship. David however, manages to prove that he is exactly where he wants to be, by having become the most sought-after valet in London.

Richard cannot possibly accomplish most of this machinations without David's skilful interference.When it comes to navigating the high society, it's the gentleman's unblemished reputation and connections, that end up saving David.

Score: 3.3/5 stars

Basically this is the regency equivalent of an office romance gone well, assuming that the office in question was the MI6 HQ, or something. Come to think of it, if I put it in those terms I don't find it all that appealing after all... even though it really works.

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Review of book 0.5: The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh
Review of book 1: A Fashionable Indulgence
Review of book 2: A Seditious Affair
Review of book 2.5: A Confidential Problem
Review of book 3.5: A Private Miscellany show less

A Group Review with Adam and Cupcake


My two cents...

4.5 Hearts--aka A Saran Wrap Review

"Do you think it is possible?"
"Most things are possible, if you look at them the right way."

Why Saran Wrap? I was on top of this book the moment I read A Fashionable Indulgence. I was pressed against it so tight, I clung to it like Saran Wrap.

Why? Because boss/employee relationships are my balm, K.J. Charles is word porn for the mind and it featured the 'gingerest of all gingers', David Cyprian aka FOXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I shall blurt out my feels while going through book withdrawal and applauding this magnificent series called Society of Gentlemen.




Could you read the series out of order? I wouldn't suggest it. David & show more Richard's story was a long time coming *coughs*months for me, over four years for them*coughs* You could see the seeds of sexual tension in book one, the sprouts of the forbidden aspect and Richard's mulish ideas on masters tupping the help in book #2 and the longing and finally...the sprouts bloom in "A Gentleman's Position".

David Cyprian, redheaded valet extraordinaire who strived hard to be the best valet in England, has his fingers in a lot of pies all around the country in the name of his master, Lord Richard Vale, a marquess' second son. David would do anything for Lord Richard; he's proved this the previous books of this series. Quiet and unassuming, the man was a mastermind in his own right. And the biggest motivator pushing him? His love for Lord Richard. Four and a half years of making his master the best dressed, especially for a man of his remarkable size and what does David get for it? Nothing other than being so close and yet so far from his love.

Because Lord Richard would never touch a servant.

Even if Richard wants to.

Even if they both want to touch each other.

You know what happens when long time feelings are denied, right? Especially in those quiet types? *grins*

"Quite right. I should learn my place."
"It's here, between my legs."
"God help me, I think it is."

Passion explosion!




Out of all of the books, this is the most romantic of the bunch. I was a little surprised how romantic it got. And it reminded me the most of past Regencies I've read. (I do love a good valet/master romance) But what K.J. Charles did with this novel, breaking down why it is wrong, why privilege can blind the eyes even when you're in love, why saying you'll put yourself in another person's shoes and not get it when one is privileged...listen, the book taught a lesson and told a story. I had to stop reading during some parts because it was just so good. And inclusive! In a Regency romance!!

I did want to kick Richard a few times because he had privileged foot in mouth syndrome. And David, the cunning owner of a pair of steel balls started off timid for me in this book. I didn't like what he was becoming....it must have been the soft and pink aka love haze. But my ginger remembered his spine and at the right time in the story - sometimes you don't know how strong you are until you've been brought low. And he hits a low point, but discovered some things about himself.

The tension was strong, the love even stronger. The words spoken between Richard and David were some of the sweetest. And Richard, like me, knows red hair is to be cherished, not ridiculed. I still don't get why gingers get teased. Ginger lovers? You will be redeemed in this.

"I want to take handfuls of that hair for myself, to follow it all the way down and find out if you are red all over. It is irresistible. You are irresistible."

Plus, there was even time for a little action - blackmailing within the ton, so to speak.

We got to see the couples from the Ricardians come back to do what they do best. It was great to read the men. Let me say, I am a Julius Norreys fangirl, vice president of the club. But this book made me realize how much I also fangirl for Mason and Dominic. I can't even say I like more than the other - they are a pair, so solid that they give David and Richard a run for their money. They made excellent secondary characters. All of the secondary characters from the previous books and prior lead characters helped move the blackmail angle along.

The book's 'villain' - he's really a disgusting piece of work. I think since his name started with Mal-, I just thought of putrid things. And weirdly enough Draco Malfoy came to mind. If "you filthy little mudblood" was ever uttered from this book's villain's lips, I wouldn't have been surprised. And the way the blackmail came together was nothing short of brilliant.




The plot was well thought out and crafted, like watching chips falling together to solve a puzzle. I literally have a third of this book highlighted and to share the best of my quotes will give away too much. The sexual tension still had a good burn to it, slow in spots but bombastic throughout. It culminated at the right spot and the ending was damn near perfect.

The Society of Gentlemen series ends on a high note and I'll miss these men something fierce. Regency lovers...seriously, get this series (and read in order).

Long live Foxy and his master!



A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review. " show less

David and Richard have been resisting their attraction for years, all while David has to spend those years literally dressing and undressing the man he desires. Richard probably has all the right reasons to resist: servants basically can’t say no. This book explore the class gap in historical England, from David’s brother Phillip (two steps down from the King) to people with basically no rights, the whores and their children who have to scrape by and do the best they can. David has worked his way up to being the most sought after valet in London, and he is proud of this, and all Richard’s fumbling, well-meaning, misguided attempts to give him a better position are not what he wants. Silas sums it up for him:

Valeting would be

show more

demeaning as all hell for me because it would be going against everything that I believe; whereas, it would be demeaning for you because you’re a lordship and you think you have a right to have your boots shined. David, now, he takes pride in his work, so demeaning for him would be valeting for some bugger who didn’t care what he looks like. Which is a long way to say we’ve all got different opinions.

We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and this is a strong reminder that we can end up where we belong, even if others don’t see it that way.
The love affair between Richard and David has to navigate the treacherous waters of the class divide, the gentleman/valet relationship, the fact that such a relationship is a hanging offense (sorry, can't leave that one out), and how much of David's work he has hidden from Richard. But at the end of the day, all these things are nothing in the face of love, and that Richard and David work better together than apart. This is a beautiful story, and I'm glad I read it. show less

After spending *checks notes* a couple of months with these characters rereading and listening, it's easy to say many more superlative things than I did in my review for A Seditious Affair. If I was left speechless initially upon reading them, there's a reason. If I ended up loving Julius more than in his own book, it's certainly justified. (I can, in fact, say that for most of KJC's characters. She builds a world and a family, and I like to get lost in it).

Often, I find myself loving romances between people where one is fairly self-actualized and the other grows. In this book, I think that's the case. It's just the commanding and lovely Richard who happens to have a long path to travel to deserve his happy ending. And David's show more commitment and dignity-And pride-that get him there, along with help from his friends. David's love for Richard and his pride in his work have been evident since the first, since a recurring mention of Richard's impeccable dress and, in particular, his boots. What kind of beautiful genius is KJC for this thread…

" I am very well as I am, and if you cannot lower yourself to fuck the man who cleans your boots, you may not have me.”

There's a whole hell of a lot of impossible external forces at work in this book, not the least in which the relationship is taking place between a valet and the gentleman he serves.

"Therefore, one did not even ask, because one could never be sure that a “yes” didn’t mask “because I must.”


And it works. It's such an interesting execution of complex dynamics of consent, loyalty, and choice. The conflicts in this book between the characters are among my favorite I've read, particularly one where Silas is featured and once again shows us why we love the werewolf.


I absolutely adore David. I find the characters who are amoral the most fascinating. In this novel, David's love and loyalty and not his position are what make him vulnerable. His competence and ruthlessness just add another layer to his power.

“It’s my pleasure,” David said, and then, very softly, added, “It always was.” show less

I really loved this. It's an extremely satisfying and downright beautiful ending to the story of the Ricardians. Over the preceding 2 books, Cyprian was established as Mr. Fix-it for the other couples and the Launcelot to Richard Vane's Arthur. I did not stop to consider that Cyprian (I started referring to him as Mr. Fox after this book) had a heart of his own and might want to give it, and his physical affections, to a terribly well-meaning man who, being constrained by the dictates of society and his own position in it, could not accept and return Foxy's regard as openly as they both would have liked. But Foxy is written to be an extremely strong character. He demands equality and ultimately receives it, and deep love, and a position show more worthy of him, in the privacy of his employer's house, even if society will not afford him those things outside of it.
Extremely believable and consistent characterisation and situations coupled with delicious lovemaking, all written in Ms. Charles' exquisite style - what's not to love? I've re-read this several times and don't plan to stop anytime soon! show less

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, show more 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. show less