I love how KJ Charles weaves her stories and makes a seemingly impossible happy ending happen for the characters. I also like how her characters are imperfect, and some have some serious flaws - case in point, Mr. Theodore Swann, a writer who runs a lonely hearts gazette and is willing to do just about anything for money (for reasons). When his gazette turns out to be responsible for a budding romance between a 17 year old young woman and the rogue who wants her to run away with him and marry him (to ensure he gets his hand on her fortune), Theo meets Martin St. Vincent, a Black businessman who used to be a slave in the young woman's household. Martin wants to head off the marriage as a way to end his complicated relationship with his former owners, though he also has a soft spot for the young woman whom he helped care for as she grew up. With the couple heading off into the wilds, Theo and Martin give chase, hoping to catch them in time to save the young woman's reputation. Along the way, they discover a mutual attraction and indulge in a sexy affair. It's fast paced, interesting, with twists and turns and surprises, and trademark Charles steamy heat. Always a good choice to pick up a romance by this author.

Theodore Swann runs the Matrimonial Advertiser, a newspaper that publishes Lonely Hearts-type letters where people can seek their perfect mate. The job is not much, but it keeps him afloat, along with his secret side job as a romance writer. One day Martin St. Vincent storms into Theo’s office. Martin has been sent to investigate a series of letters the paper has published between two young lovers, one of whom is the 17-year-old daughter of a family friend. Martin clearly doesn’t think much of Theo or his paper, but he needs Theo’s help to figure out the identity of the mystery man is who is corresponding with young Jenny.

Martin and Theo figure out that Jenny and her beau are running off to the border to elope, and Martin offers enough coin to get Theo to come along to help catch up with them. Now it is a race against time for the pair to head off the young lovers before Jenny has ruined her future with a border marriage. And along the way, Martin and Theo just might find a connection of their own.

Ok, I’ll admit this story had me wary from the start because of that blurb. Because honestly, it took me a while to even understand it. Some folks might find it clever, but for me, it’s convoluted structure was kind of a turn off. So I mostly picked this up because I love K.J. Charles, more than because the book itself appealed to me. But I am really glad I took a chance here because I found this story really engaging with some fascinating elements.

Before I go too far, I will say this isn’t really a book heavy on the romance. Martin pretty much starts out the book hating Theo, and it takes a while for him to see past Theo’s job to the man himself. There is a lot more to Theo that meets the eye, which we learn along the way, but at first things are tense between them. But there is a long carriage ride ahead of these two and they are stuck together for quite a while. It it like a Georgian era road trip story! So while they start off the story with a sexual spark that is definitely fiery, we see these men slowly come to like one another, to share some real parts of themselves with each other, and to form a bond that they want to continue in the future. But I would say this is more a story about the bond these guys grow to share, and two men finding someone who understands them and to whom they can open up, than a traditional romance.

To me the most interesting part of the book was Martin and his backstory. Martin was a former slave, having grown up as a household slave in Jenny’s home. At 18, he was freed and now maintains a friendly, if somewhat uncomfortable, relationship with the family. Charles does a great job, as always, with the historical elements here, and I found it fascinating learning about slavery in England at this time. But more than that, the dynamic between Martin and the Connor family is just fascinating. On one hand, he endured this horrible existence of growing up a slave. And on the other, he knows how much worse life could have been for him. So he is understandably resentful of the Connors, but also feels an obligation to be grateful as well, a feeling that just eats at him. It is a fascinating dynamic, and his character is just so interesting and well developed. We can see how his past has impacted the man he is now, and how this baggage he carries just wears on him. And I loved the way that he opens up to Theo, and Theo really understands him and helps Martin sort through his emotions.

Another interesting historical element here is the concept of marriage. In fact, there are some interesting parallels to Jenny’s situation and Martin’s. Not that Charles suggests for a moment (nor do I), that the plight of a pampered, wealthy, 17-year old is anything like the life of a slave. But the idea of people as property is a common thread here and I thought the concept of women as currency was well developed. Here we have Jenny, who is essentially being sold to a future husband. Her value is that she brings wealth to a marriage and in return, her family gets a title and social standing. And all of this is considered not just socially acceptable, but the only socially acceptable way for the marriage to occur. The Connors will essentially sell her to a man in exchange for what they want. But for Jenny to actually marry a man for love is considered scandalous. In fact, if anyone even learned about her elopement, she would be ruined. Her value is gone if she acts for herself. So lots of interesting ideas were explored here.

This one is a bit nontraditional, but I really found it engaging. I loved the road trip feel of it and the way we see the guys slowly coming to really bond with one another. And the historical elements are great. And even better, the story takes a really clever turn that I didn’t anticipate, making for a really fun ending. So I liked this one a lot and definitely recommend it, especially for historical fans who are looking for something a little different.

PICK

I'm on an historical kick at the mo, so I figured it was time to tackle my KJ Charles pile! This novella isn't as instantly gripping as some of her others, but after the sorta-twist (which I felt needed more foreshadowing) it gets tough to put down. I had to know how the heroes would work things out, and Charles grounds the answer in narrative convention; a neat nod to one hero's writerly profession and the other's taste for Gothic fiction.

I wasn't sure what to expect when reading the synopsis for this book but I was presently surprised. I enjoyed the book. The character's were great, it was bit different but it was well written and the story line was excellent.

There was a bit in the middle that was slow and made the book lag a bit, but once you got past the days of traveling by carriage with as wash, rinse and repeat feel to it, the story picked back up. A great historical book.

~3.5 Stars~

Undoubtedly the queen of historical fiction, author KJ Charles delivers another authentic period piece in her latest release, Wanted, a Gentleman. While this novel had definite romantic elements, I felt it leaned toward more of an adventure story with a rather hastily drawn love element thrown in for good measure. In many ways the plot felt thin to me, with characters that begged to be developed further, particularly because both Theo and Martin carried a great deal of emotional baggage from their pasts. However, as historical fiction goes, this author does not fail to deliver authenticity both in dialogue and story dressing.

Martin is a former slave of the Conroy family. Virtually growing up with their only daughter, it is he who is called upon to help rescue her after she elopes with a man who is only known by the name he uses in their correspondence, Troilus. Theo is the proprietor and crafter of the want ads that lonely-hearts place when they are seeking wives and husbands. It is through his weekly want ads that Miss Conroy (aka Cressida) meets her Troilus, and the two plan their elopement. Martin bribes Theo to accompany him in the pursuit of the fleeing couple in the hopes that he can stop them before they are married, and convince Miss Conroy to return home with him to her waiting parents.

But all is not what it seem and Theo hides many secrets, including the knowledge that not only does he know who Troilus is but has actually been coerced into helping the man carry away the unsuspecting girl. During their pursuit, poor Theo finds himself drawn more and more to Martin. When his treachery is found out, Theo must make the decision to either help Martin win the day–and possibly be jailed for his assistance–or turn from the man who sparks more than just a passing lust in his heart.

From the beginning of this story I was completely involved in Theo, and really rooting for him to be a good guy. A starving writer who obviously fell on bad times earlier in his life, the clever young man lived by his wits and sometimes by his luck—what little he had. When he and Martin first meet, it is difficult to picture the two of them developing a relationship, simply because they were so very different in almost every way. Beginning with the fact that Martin was a former slave, there was also the reality that he had become a businessman of some standing in his community, while Theo was nothing more than a romance writer who quietly turned the other way while people sought relationships that were rarely approved by good society.

One could feel that there was some chemistry between the two men, but the endless chase after the eloping couple really kept this novel from developing the romance, as I would have liked. Instead, theirs was more an itch that needed to be scratched due to being thrown into close quarters on their journey. While there were definitely some tender and revealing moments between the two men, I was frustrated that it felt as though the moment the author began to scratch beneath the surface and feed us some of Martin and Theo’s backstories, we were jerked away and thrown right back into flight. Hence, much was left underdeveloped and we had to rely on the idea that these two men were falling in love rather than actually watching it happen in the novel.

KJ Charles is most assuredly one of the best at developing historical fiction that captures the period and atmosphere of the time frame being written about. This time, however, while the story was solid in the vernacular and style, the plot felt incomplete and lacking in real depth. In the end, Wanted, a Gentleman was a good story that with just a bit more development could have been a great novel.

I really do like KJ Charles and her style of writing but this one just didnt work out well for me.
I couldnt connect with the MCs and that is the selling point for me when reading/

Did not finish - unable to fully connect with story. No review will be coming. Did not rate the story.

I do not know what I was expecting when I requested this book, but I did not care for the story. I thought it had some good parts but overall it was not my cup of tea.

Rating: 4 stars!

Happiness is a new book from your favorite author and KJ Charles is one of my favorite authors, so -- and I'm sure I've said this before -- any time I get my hands on one of her new books, I'm a happy camper. That's why I feel terrible it took me this long to sit down and write my review. Real life got in the way of talking about fictional worlds, but still I feel like I've been a bad fan.

KJ Charles's books made me fall in love with M/M historicals, and Wanted, A Gentleman falls in that category. It's a historical novella set in London at the beginning of the 19th century. As it turned out even in 1805 people turned to personal ads in search for a lonely heart to match their own, or to play S/M games with or something... And in 1805 there was a young lady, very young and very spoiled, who used those ads to communicate with her fiancé. That fiancé was a gentleman of questionable morals and intentions, and she an heiress to an enviable fortune. Needless to say, her parents were desperate to see that marriage never happened and to end any correspondence between the young lady and the man she was so foolishly infatuated with. Martin St. Vincent was asked to help in the matter. Martin was once that family's slave, but was freed when he grew up and given the funds that helped him become a successful merchant, which left him under the burden of gratitude. His task brought him to the offices of Theo Swann, a man with his own burden and not too enthusiastic about being alive, who ran the Matrimonial Advertiser. There, a deal was made between the two men, a deal that would have them chasing the ill-matched couple across country.
Trying to break them up brought Theo's and Martin's lonely hearts together.

Wanted, A Gentleman is a novella I enjoyed reading (twice, actually), and Theo and Martin were a couple I liked. This made me wish I met them in a novel... that was part of a series. Yes, KJ Charles's series are my favorite, and there's just something in reading about a group of characters over several books that turns them from characters I like to characters I love. However, as much as I would've liked Theo and Martin got more than a novella, I can't say I didn't get to know them. The author does her job well, and these characters got their backstories and personal traits that made them an interesting couple with interesting stories to tell.

Martin and Theo's love story wasn't without its obstacles, of course. Some truths weren't easy to hear, and they almost ended their relationship before it began, but resolution wasn't far behind. This is a novella -- you don't have to wait long for anything. The resolution was fun as it came from Theo's imaginative scribbler's mind whose villains were apparently superbly written.

It all ended with a "Wanted, A Gentleman..." ad bringing Theo and Martin back together. Ah, they did make quite a pair. I hope they were happy together for a long time in that fictional past.

Stevie‘s review of Wanted, A Gentleman by KJ Charles
Gay Historical Romance published by Riptide Publishing 07 Jan 17

KJ Charles’ historical romances are an auto-read for me these days, and in the immediate absence of a new series, I was keen to fill the gap with this slightly shorter standalone story. The cover told me we could look forward to another black hero – all too rare in historical romances – and the blurb was intriguing without giving away very much of the plot at all, other than to hint that advertisements of some sort were likely to feature alongside a ripping adventure story, which includes an elopement and possibly, by extension, a marriage.

Marriage, or at least the means by which people secure a partner, is how Theo Swann earns his living: as the owner and editor of the Matrimonial Advertiser, a forerunner of newspaper personal columns and dating apps. Not all the advertisers are entirely genuine, and not all their requests – if one reads between the lines – are strictly legal, but Theo will publish any ad that isn’t blatantly going to get him arrested, since he is hard pressed for cash himself. All seems to be running to plan, until Martin St. Vincent turns up. An ex-slave still on good terms with his former masters, Martin has been tasked with preventing the elopement of the daughter of the household – his childhood companion – who has been conducting a romance through the pages of Theo’s periodical.

Theo agrees to help Martin track down the wayward lovers: he’s always keen to make extra money, he’s intrigued by the elopement, and Martin is a very attractive proposition in his own right. Unfortunately, Theo’s need for money stems from a well-hidden family secret, so we just know things are likely to go awry at some point.

The pair follow a series of clues that lead to them chasing their quarry northwards – into parts of the country where Martin would definitely not have an easy time of accomplishing his task were he working alone. When the big reveal of Theo’s secret comes – on top of some more minor revelations about his other writerly efforts – it appears that all is lost, but fear not, gentle readers, good will triumph in the end.

Although this isn’t my favourite of the author’s historical stories – I felt that it needed to be either part of a series or more thoroughly fleshed out if it were to stand alone – it was a rollicking romp nonetheless and still superior to many, many romances out there. It was enough to satisfy me for now, but I’m still eagerly anticipating the next proper series that’s also due for release ’round about now.

Grade: B

KJ Charles excels at gay historical romance. Wanted, A Gentleman is a standalone novella that is short and entertaining. However, as is often the case when I read novellas, I found it a little too short to be truly satisfying.

Both main characters are flawed but likeable. Theo comes across as opportunistic and disreputable, though it's clear he has a good heart underneath. He's also observant and intelligent, able to see the world in ways Martin can't. These qualities are especially valuable for his trade as a writer of romance novels. This aspect of his character was something I enjoyed and never felt it crossed the line into self-indulgence.

Similarly, I appreciated Martin's unabashed enjoyment in reading romance novels. He's not afraid of having this hobby discovered and is happy to share his criticisms of what he's read. It added a little extra dimension to a character who is keenly aware of honour and obligation, and generally quite straight-laced.

Historical romance is often a whitewashed genre, so it was a delight to see a PoC take centre stage. Martin was a slave who was taken from his home at a young age and given as a gift to his British masters, who eventually freed him. In the mind of the Conroy family, Martin is a close friend, yet they treat him in ways they would never treat a friend and give no thought to Martin's experiences. It was nice to see the intersection of racism and good intentions be explored.

While I felt the attraction between Martin and Theo was well handled, the resolution of this attraction was a little sudden for me. Nevertheless, it fits in with Theo's character (who isn't one to beat around the bush) and ties in with the characters getting swept up in something bigger than themselves.

Likewise, there was a twist around two-thirds of the way through that came as a bit of a shock. While it was an excellent way of exploring some backstory, a little more foreshadowing would have been useful.

Wanted, A Gentleman is never going to be my favourite of KJ Charles' work. However, it manages a lot of action and depth for such a short work and is still well worth reading.

An unusual historical gay romance bringing together a shady publisher and a stalwart merchant and former slave, from the reliably brilliant pen of K.J. Charles. 4.5 stars.

Favorite Quote: “You don’t give an inch, do you?”

“I just took at least eight,” Theo pointed out.



I really need to go back and read KJ Charles’s backlist – as I’ve only read a couple by her and what I have read I’ve really enjoyed. In this book she gives us a more serious stoic hero paired with a wily, cocky hero – and the pairing really worked for me.

Theo makes a living by collecting advertisements to run in the paper for those people looking for a wife, husband or just love in general. For example:

Wanted, a Gentleman. A lively and engaging Lady who finds herself in Distressing Circumstances due to her too liberal Heart seeks a Gentleman whose Kindness will be well rewarded by all the Happiness and Beauty, Congeniality, and Youth may confer.

It’s all anonymous, many times these people leaving the ads at the local tavern for Theo to pick up. Sometimes Theo gets ads that he probably shouldn’t run – let’s say a slyly worded ad for a man seeking a man – but since Theo does enjoy men…and money, he runs them, feigning ignorance if anyone comes around with a complaint. Theo is thin and always has ink stains on himself. He is a little on the weasly side and is scrappy.

Martin is a former slave whose owners freed him when he turned eighteen and he has remained friends with the family since then. He is now an investor, respected by his fellow businessmen. He was loved growing up, working in their house and befriending their daughter. He knew he had it good as a slave, since this family also owns sugar cane fields and the slaves that work those are not treated well at all. He also knows, that yes he was treated well – but still owned. Still not free the first eighteen years of his life. This is a great conflict within him – how he can still be friends with the people who enslaved him.

“I was always well treated,” Martin said again. “I could so easily not have been. I know how my life might have played out. There was a time, during the revolution in France, when Mr. Conroy’s business went through difficulties, and it seemed he might find it necessary to sell me—”

“Sweet King Jesus.”

“But he didn’t. Instead I was kept in the household, and freed on such generous terms that I have been able to prosper ever since, and how can I resent that?”

“That sounds to me the kind of generosity that could kill a man.”

Martin let his head thud back against the leather rest. “It is. It sticks in my throat like thistles, it chokes me.” His hand was at his throat, he realised, that old habitual gesture. He let it drop and repeated, quietly, “It chokes me.”

[…]
“Do you know how much the Conroys gave me as a gift? A hundred pounds. That was Mr. Conroy’s estimate of what I would fetch at the auction block.”

“Christ Jesus fuck,” Swann said. “Fuck them both and their brat. Let’s leave her to her sluttery and go home.”

This family has realized their daughter has run off with an unknown man – most likely heading to Gretna Green to get married without their permission. Martin learns that Jenny and her anonymous lover, were communicating with each other by posting advertisements in the paper – which leads Martin to Theo, demanding information as to who this anonymous lover is. Theo has no idea, but after reading through their printed correspondence, he realizes they write in code and they are for sure headed to Scotland to get married.

Martin offers to pay Theo to come with him, to find Jenny and bring her back to her family. Theo agrees and off they go. Along the way, their attraction to each other comes out and naughty things happen in a carriage.

Initially I wasn’t sure how this pair would go together, as Martin seems so much more mature than Theo – I didn’t see how Theo could take a romantic relationship seriously, but after a while these two definitely fit together. Theo is able to listen to Martin, and understand his personal fears and thoughts and give a nice, steady shoulder. Theo is the first to come to Martin’s defense if someone looks at Martin for only the color of his skin. Theo knows how to put a smile on Martin’s face, which made me smile.

Theo also writes romance books under a female name, books that Martin reads too. This whole scenario made me smile, as Martin loves Theo’s villains but he thinks he definitely needs work on some of the other characters. The way Theo plots his villainous books plays into how the try to find Jenny – which is cute.

Did I mention there is sex in a carriage too?

“What are you doing?” Martin demanded, although it was quite evident what he was doing. “Theo, for God’s sake!”

Theo nudged his legs apart and settled between them, hands sliding up Martin’s thighs. “Enlivening the journey?”

“On this road?” Martin demanded, as the chaise bumped. “If we go over a pothole you’ll bite it off!”

“Give me a little credit.”

Grade: B

This was funny, light and sweet, reminding me of Amanda Quick's historicals.


Martin and Theo start in very antagonistic positions: Martin despises Theo's mercenary willingness to pursue money, while Theo judges Martin as very uptight and secretly fancies this unapproachable gentleman.


As their roles slowly expand, Martin and Theo get to know the motives for their facades, start joking and even flirting with each other in a most charming way, and of course, Theo's ingenious way of solving the problem shows that he is plucky and resourceful, a force to be reckoned with.


The plot presents a quick formula but a very successful one in historical romance genre: throw two very different characters together in order to complete a quest and watch them fall for each other against their own best judgement along the way. In Martin and Theo's case, it worked perfectly.


They are both delightfully not villain material but also not clear-cut heroes. Just decent guys with baggage, which only makes them more realistic. As a result, the book is lovely, engaging and funny, a quick comfort read. Recommended.

This new novella from the pen of K.J. Charles is a Regency Era road-trip undertaken in order to foil the elopement of an heiress and her unsuitable beau.

The couple has been corresponding secretly by placing messages in the pages of the <em>Matrimonial Advertiser</em>, a news-sheet dedicated to publishing what we would today call Lonely Hearts advertisements, and run by Mr. Theodore Swann, a jobbing writer who owns and runs the paper as well as scribbling romantic novels on the side.

Into his dingy City office one day, bursts Mr. Martin St. Vincent, a well-built, well-dressed and obviously well to-do black man, who is trying to discover the identity of the man who has been corresponding with the seventeen year-old daughter of his former owner. He’s blunt and not in the mood for humour, small-talk or any of Theo’s sales patter – and quickly cuts to the chase by asking Theo to put a price on his assistance.

Before he can discover the man’s identity however, the young lady elopes with her swain, and the family turns to Martin for help. A former slave, his relationship to the Conroys – who, by the standards of the day treated him well – is a difficult one, but he used to play with the young woman when she was a child and read her stories… and it’s for her sake that he agrees to try to find her and bring her home safely.

Realising he’ll need help – and having been reluctantly impressed with Theo’s quick wits and sharp tongue (among other things) – Martin asks Theo to go with him – and after they have agreed on a large fee, Theo agrees.

This is a novella of some 150 pages, but K.J Charles does such a superb job with the characterisation of her two principals and adds such depth to their personalities and stories that I came away from the novella feeing – almost – as though I’d read a full-length novel. There’s a spark of attraction between the two men from the start, and this builds gradually as they travel and get to know each other better, but what is so wonderful is the way the relationship between them grows alongside it. Martin is a former slave, and while he doesn’t feel he owes anything to his former master, he can’t help resenting the fact that he has been very lucky when compared to so many others:
<blockquote>“I was kept in the household, and freed on such generous terms that I have been able to prosper ever since, and how can I resent that?”

“That sounds to me the kind of generosity that could kill a man.”

“It is. It sticks in my throat like thistles, it chokes me.”</blockquote>
And Theo gets it. He sees Martin as a person, he believes he’s entitled to be angry:
<blockquote>“I, uh, feel strongly about gratitude. Forced gratitude, I mean, the kind piled on your debt as added interest. To be ground underfoot and then told to be thankful the foot was not heavier – I hate it.”</blockquote>
Their conversations are insightful and often humorous, showcasing many of the things I enjoy so much about this author’s work. Her research is impeccable and I always like the way she doesn’t just gloss over the social issues of the day. There wree moves towards abolition in England at this time, but there were still many people making money out of slavery; there was serious social inequality and no safety net for those who couldn’t afford even the most basic of life’s necessities; yet all these issues are addressed in a way that is not preachy or dry history lesson. Instead they arise naturally out of the direction taken by the story, the lives of the characters and the situations in which they live.

Both protagonists are attractive, likeable characters, although Theo is probably the more well-developed of the two, with a bit more light and shade to his persona. He’s quick witted, devious and sarcastic; and I really liked that his lady novelist alter-ego, Dorothea Swann, gives Ms. Charles the opportunity to make a few tongue-in-cheek observations about romantic fiction but also allows Theo to save the day.

<strong>Wanted, A Gentleman</strong> is beautifully written, the dialogue sparkles and Theo and Martin simply charmed me.

My only complaint is that the book ended too quickly.

Grade: B+/4,5 stars

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This story is set in 1805 London, and is a historical M/M romance with no paranormal elements.

Theo Swann is a writer who runs a weekly marriage paper wherein he posts the ads of lonely people seeking affection, companionship, or marriage for better or worse. He also writes what we'd consider Regency romance under the pseudonym of Dorothea Swann. Theo's barely eeking out a living in his humble printshop-slash-living quarters and is none-too-pleased when Martin St. Vincent, a free black man of some wealth raps upon his door to demand the identity of one of the lonely hearts featured in Theo's paper.

Theo may find Martin attractive, but what does he care if coded messages from clandestine lovers are part of his paper. THey paid their money, and he ran their ad. Simple.

Martin makes it clear that this is in fact very complicated. He is an agent of a wealthy family--the family which owned him until his 18th birthday as it turns out--and the only daughter of this family seems to be planning an illegal elopement--as the messages indicate. Martin has been pressed, a bit, into helping if he can. And Theo's not really interested in helping, unless he can profit from it. So, Martin offers him money, and Theo discovers the day of their departure from London. For a grand sum, Theo agrees to join Martin on the chase to Scotland, to save this underage silly chit from her ultimate ruination.

While Martin and Theo share a mutual interest--they both like men--Martin's not keen on Theo much at first. Still, his intellect surprises him and the long, arduous journey is endearing. For about a day. That's about how long it takes for Theo to blow this who caper sky-high and send Martin into fits trying to cajole his childhood friend from making the greatest mistake of her young life.

I'll tell you right now, there's a huge curveball to this plot. It seems like a romance, but it isn't a traditional one. Nor is Theo who he portrays himself to be. While that threw me for a loop, I wasn't averse to the plot shenanigan. It allowed to re-investigate Theo, who--to that point--seemed rather lackluster, in comparison to Martin's stately and intriguing character. Martin is a thriving merchant, set up with an education and some seed money to begin his business from the very family that held his enslaved for fourteen years. The very people he's crossing England at breakneck speed to assist in their domestic dilemma. Theo has trouble fathoming why Martin would lift a finger to help, and can't see the profit in it. Martin is a man of honor, but even honor doesn't bind him to help--and it's an interesting situation for Martin to be in.

Theo, for his part, makes a lot of trouble, but also makes a lot of good. He's a man in the worst sort of binds, and has no qualms trying to help himself out of them by any means necessary. He has neither time nor patience for a willful girl snookered by an obvious con-man; not when he's being financially enslaved by his own flesh-and-blood. His assistance to Martin was always going to be mercenary, but falling for Martin wasn't part of the plan. I really found the thematic juxtaposition between Martin's enslavement, Theo's financial situation and the girl's elopement to be fascinating. In the time and place described, a girl's only worth lay in her marriage prospects and this situation--a wretched elopement--would have damaged all hope for her family to ascend higher socially; so her position as property to be granted by her father's whim rendered her into a theoretical "kind" of slave. As a fan of historical romance the whole elopement issue has always struck a chord with me, maybe it was because I've come from women who did elope--and their families didn't approve.

There's a little bit of sexytimes, a lot a bit of empathy, and a heroic ending that would outdo Mrs. Dorothea Swann's imagination everyday and twice on Sunday. I really did like how this ended, with Martin and Theo finding an accord that is mutually satisfying with neither of them bound by duty, honor or poverty. They can simply be two men who admire each other, and figure out a way to build a future together. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

*3.5 stars*

I'm obsessed with K.J. Charles, and I think she is an exceptionally talented author. However, this one didn't grab me like her other books.

The book is very adventure-y, and while I sometimes like stories like that, I usually like more character-focused works. I like lots of slow burn and lots of sexual tension, and while we did get some tension in this enemies-to-lovers story, I didn't feel that "snap" of a connection like I crave.

The blurb was great and the characters were well conceived, but it all didn't fully come together. It had moments where I was like, "YESSSS," but I also wanted more the entire time.

I read a few reviews before starting the book, and I saw a lot of hype about a twist about 2/3rds of the way through the story. Anticipating and trying to guess what that twist was distracted me from the story. My best advice to readers is to not think about any twist. It isn't a crazy twist or anything bizarre, but it changed how I felt about the story, for sure. More than anything, it made me feel frustrated because it felt like an inorganic plot device rather that fitting smoothly with the story.

The story shines in the sense of time and place, which this author always does well, but even though I'd say that I liked it, I don't think I'd continue on if this was a series. Maybe with a different author, one who wasn't one of my favorites, I'd be more impressed.

*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

As always, KJ Charles crafts well-rounded and compelling MCs. Both Martin and Theo have their hang-ups, but want something more from life and are willing to put in the effort to make things work.

The relationship development was fairly smooth and not particularly angsty. Martin and Theo fit together well. Martin finds it easy to share the parts of his history that he would rather not dwell on, and Theo finds in Martin the acceptance and encouragement that he never got from his family.

I also appreciated that the author explored Martin's experiences as a black man born a slave and then freed in Regency-era London. His experiences, and the resulting emotional and psychological impacts, are presented with sensitivity and in-sight.

'Wanted, A Gentleman' is different from KJ Charles' usual work. It's not character driven, depending instead on an adventure to drive the relationship along. The adventure has little to do with either Martin and Theo themselves, but instead revolves around Jennifer Conroy, the daughter of Martin's former owners, and her elopement to Scotland with a manipulative rake.

I didn't particularly care for this aspect. Jennifer doesn't get much page time, so I didn't connect to her plight. Plus, she's depicted as a spoiled brat who doesn't appreciate her privilege. Martin owed her, and her family, nothing. I would have rather had more page-time given to Martin and Theo as a couple, instead of their rescue efforts.

Even so, this is a solid Regency MM romance. The book ends on a promising HFN, with Theo and Martin well on their way towards something permanent.

First of all, 5 stars for the blurb!

Wanted, A Gentleman is based on an excellent premise that could have used more. More length, more detail, more depth, more to sink my teeth in. It is an excellent novella that should have been a novel.

Why is it not a novel?

They should have dragged that journey out for at least a week. Perfectly doable at 14 miles per hour, if you ask me. It would have given us time to develop that relationship at a pace that didn’t seem overly quick and given us time to delve into their characters more. This novella could have used more rough edges, that would have helped in the story development too.

Given that I don’t usually do novellas, I am still glad that I made an exception for Charles. It was very entertaining. But it could have been more.

WANTED, A Gentleman of better character than he knows, who plays the Villain to the manner born. Prompt application to M.St.V. is greatly desired as a Promise remains to be kept.

Oh this was fun!


Wanted, A Gentleman is officially my first book of the year and I couldn't have chosen any better to start the new year off! Take one overworked scribbler who is a bit shifty (Theo Swann) and pair Theo with a former slave turned well to do merchant who is straightforward (Martin St. Vincent) and get a surprisingly light, and sexy opposites attract budding romance(?)

It's romantic in a sense though the story starts with a HFN feel, it's a promising start which read like an organic conclusion.

St. Vincent (I've had a great track record with historical St. Vincents) needs help locating a wayward teen who is determined to marry a liar. The girl is the only child of St. Vincent's former masters = complicated city. Theo runs a matrimonial matchmaking advertising business where the lonely and desperate write for potential matches. The two men are thrown together during desperate measures, Martin wants to help a child he grew up with though the ties still uneasy to fathom and Theo wants the money Martin promises him....even though he can't stop his attraction to Martin.

The two start off as strangers, are thrown together in a race to catch up with the eloping pair. And you know what happens during that road trip when mutual passion and chemistry is shared between the pair?

Road side hooking up.

This isn't PWP in the least and the road trip plot and chasing the wayward teen and her crappy swain plays second fiddle to Martin and Theo's page time. Thankfully.

The story is a definite win, but some parts were better than others.

Where this book excels: The main characters are the read and butter of this story. From the moment they meet to the very last scene, Martin St. Vincent and Theodore Swann grab the reader's attention.Well known Charles is a wordsmith and exceeds with excellent dialogue between her main characters. No different in Wanted. Theo and Martin have great balance of funny, serious, sexual and damaged.

"This has been a delightful interlude, but if you don't fuck me right now, I am going to set fire to your house. Consider yourself warned."

"Well, if you put it that way. How do you like it?"

"In."

"I'm trying to treat you with respect and consideration. The least you could do is stop playing the harlot."

"What makes you think I'm playing?"

Well matched pair.

Another point where the story excels is the fact that Martin is a conflicted character. The story is light in tone but it by no means diminishes Martin's history. I think it gave a great grasp on being...'other' than what society deems 'the normal'. It was cool to read Charles' take on a merchant Black Briton in the Georgian era. Martin is layered. He's proud of his accomplishments (freed slave now merchant), never mistreated as a slave and grateful for that because it could have been worse. But he is still angry. (Justifiably so) Traveling north of London, the reader gets a taste of the subtle racism Martin endures, learns why he chooses to continue this 'mission' and get to learn all of facets.

All while having Martin find a possible partner. And it wasn't angst riddled.

Out of the pair, Martin wins for me slightly over Theo, though Theo is definitely no slouch in the great character department: witty, quick thinking and just a bit criminal. Both are damaged by their upbringing but aren't bitter at the world.

Where the book was good: The plot was simple and engaging. I've lost track of how many historical romances I've read that used a Gretna Green road trip plot device to throw opposites together. It was nice to read one with a queer main couple. It's a quick read so, there aren't everlasting declarations made (Totally wouldn't work BTW) There was a big twist at 65% that seems a little left field...how? what? who? But overall, it works for the arc.

Where the book could have done better: It's little nitpicks but knowing I've read stellar reads from this author in the past, I know this story could have been more. Maybe a little more exposition on Theo. It's a Martin/Theo book and we get more depth on Martin. Theo is an interesting character. He leads a double (or triple) life. Once the twist is thrown in, Theo loses a little of his sparkle. I think I wouldn't have minded more page time, maybe a little more written at the stage stops on the road. The reasoning of why Martin chose to chase after 'Cressida' is given but maybe a touch more.

Altogether, the story more than gets the job done.

Would I read more of this pairing? Yes...and no. The story ends on the right hopeful note. I wouldn't say no to possible future snippets of their future but the story really drove the main point across.

Martin is living a HEA (as much as can be expected in that time period) being free and being able to help the poor Britons in need.

Theo was a delightful addition. Two lonely hearts entwined for however long they fancy.

Sometimes a budding and hopeful end is all we need.

Recommended for readers familiar with Charles work, readers of historical romance who don't mind different interpretations of a HEA.