The Gentleman's Book of Vices by Jess Everlee is a MM romance set in Victorian London during a time as many may know, that not only was homosexuality illegal but also the ownership and creation of homosexual materials and what I found evident was that Everlee had clearly done research into the matter which added a layer of truth to our story.

This adds so much to the story, knowing just why Charlie Price, whose vices are many and Miles Montague, a struggling bookshop owner who writes such material that would endanger his life if discovered; are both so keen to do all they can to ensure their secrets remain secret. This was what men faced, having been forced into marriage, and having to hide in various discreet clubs as it was their only option to meet those who are like minded.

I loved how you see the true meaning of found family in The Gentleman’s Book of Vices because it’s a common thing even now in the LGBTQ community as you often sadly find your own family lacking and certainly for people in 1883 when the book is set, you couldn’t let anyone know what you were and your proclivities.

Everlee brings not only the necessity of this to life, but also brings each character to life along with wonderful world-building that ensures this moment in time comes to life for us, with the abundance of visual delights that Everlee describes along with giving the reader an idea of the various smells we’d encounter as we wove through the discreet locations were many a lesbian, or gay man would frequent. From page one, you’re there in London alongside Charlie as he tries to put off the reality of circumstance with another drink and the attention of a pretty face and friendly word or two.

Charlie and Miles are so different, and yet I loved their connection, with one being effervescent and one much preferring the quiet, from their first encounter in Miles’s bookstore you know life will never be the same for the two of them again and I was there for it. It is somewhat of a slow start for the two, and the story as a whole but it’s worth sticking with because you just know you’re going to be chuckling at times, and then quietly despairing as their journey unfolds.

This is the first in the Lucky in London series, with characters that carry a sense of realism with them, they’re Queer in a time when being so is beyond dangerous but living your life as such has always been that way it seems so I am so happy to expect more happy ever after's for couples that deserve it more than most.

I loved this preview so much that I immediately went and found the whole book. I love queer regency romance! This is a sweet story about a flamboyant fan seeking out and finding his favorite erotica author. I loved the two men's instant chemistry and the sensual spicy scenes were gorgeous. I'm definitely interested in reading the rest of the stories in this series as this one introduced some very interesting and fun side characters. I'm for sure reccomending this one.

loved the characters and how everyine felt so unique and real, I am excited to read more about the side characters in their own stories!

An intriguing set-up for a grumpy+sunshine romance, I am looking forward to reading the rest of this!

I absolutely adored this book and, after reading this preview, I immediately went to find the full thing. And then the sequel. And I’m now awaiting the final book in the series.

Charlie is a stylish, lovable rogue. Everyone in his favourite bar loves him, every single man in the city is willing to indulge his vices and buy him a drink, but love just doesn’t seem to find its way to him. Or rather, not the right love. He’s engaged to be married and on a deadline to get rid of his vast collection of…specialist literature. Miles, on the other hand, isn’t looking for love. He’s busy writing his novels and trying to stay out of trouble, which is easier said than done for a man writing the kinds of stories that could get a man locked up in 1883. Luckily, he has a loyal audience, and at least one patron who’d buy anything he wrote. Unluckily, that patron just so happens to be getting married soon. But if Charlie can have one last thing before he has to say goodbye to his old life forever, it’s to find the man who has been providing him the escapism and release he’s been desperately clinging to. Even if that brings trouble to Miles’ door.

If you like Freya Marske’s Last Binding series (and particularly if you finished the final book and are craving a romance like Alan and Hawthorn’s) then this is the book for you. All I’m saying is if I had a penny for every gay historical novel about an erotica writer and his biggest fan falling in love I read in the first 2 months of 2024, I’d have two pennies. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice already.

No spoilers, but chapter 16 has one of the most lovely and sensual spice scenes. More aftercare in books please, and more lovely domesticity and lightness amidst the angst.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this preview. I enjoyed this preview and look forward to reading the full book.

Victorian queer love stories are always a treat. It sadly was archived before I could finish so I had a look at the audio version.
Love the narrator's voice. Also very pretty cover.

It's just a preview, but it sure does make you want to read the rest of the book! The premise is very intriguing!

Of course this was only a preview, but as far as the first five chapters go, they served as a great introduction to the witty humour, prose, and banter between characters that I hope will be present throughout the entire book.

Looking forward to finishing this soon in my own time.

I only received a preview of this book - chapters 1-5. Within the first 50 pages, I was suspecting that this book might actually be a solid five stars - the set up was intriguing, the writing was good, and I was really enjoying the main characters. Somewhere along the way, though, it sort of lost some steam - but not in the main relationship. I think I would enjoy reading to the end and would recommend for anyone looking for a quick and light historical romance.

I have to say, while period pieces are not typically my jam, this one did captivate me so. The story of a gentleman who is to marry soon, who frequents a sexual men’s club, and only desires to acquire the autograph of the person who has written his favorite smutty novel. What he finds is simply an attractive man, and while I could assume what happens, it’s really hard to say. I want to continue, I need to continue to find out how it all unfolds!

While I only had an looking of the first five chapters, I honestly think was an liked read, I engoyed it Humour plot, interesting characters and a narration really funny. So excited to read more!

Great preview, it has left me excited to read the book once it's out!
The characters are fun and engaging which drives the plot well.
I'm curious to read the rest of the book and will be purchasing it for sure!

This preview of the Gentleman’s Book of Vices is an MM (Male/Male) romance following a secretive author who writes scandalous and, for the time it was written, unheard of romance stories. These are homosexual stories written under a pen name where one of our main characters , Miles feels shame and hides behind anonymity. For his daytime job he works in a bookstore.
Charlie, our other main character is an avid erotica collector and tries to hunt down his more recent favourite, Miles. The two meet and sparks fly. Miles thinks he is being blackmailed and is threatened with exposure of his secret identity but this definitely isn’t the case. Charlie is just a massive fan boy of Miles’. The two part ways with Charlie incredibly disappointment and miles angry by the miscommunication.
During a wine tasting in preparation for his wedding (!!!), Charlie comes face-to-face with Miles once again when he comes to apologize but is mistaken for the sommelier as he was carrying wine, not to taste but as an apology gift. It’s awkward but so funny and once again the two have amazing chemistry. But there’s a few problems: Charlie is betrothed! Neither can admit to their true feeling about the same sex either. One due to it being illegal and secondly is was deemed truly shameful.
I’m excited to see how the book progresses and how Jess Everlee bridges these gaps between Miles and Charlie.

I really enjoyed The Gentleman's Book of Vices! The characters are clever, engaging, and care deeply for each other in ways that form a myriad of friendships and romances that feel very queer. The concept is fun, the stakes are real, and this story also manages to fill a rarely filled niche of queer regency BDSM romance. Very excited for the sequel!

Great preview, many thanks! Definitely see myself reading this! In fact, I've ordered it for our library, and I can't wait till it comes in! Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher!

this book has everything I love, sass, gays, fashion, tweed, top hats, scandal and great writing
While I can't give a full review since this is only the first 5 chapters, I can say that the chapters I have read are fully enjoyable and I want the others immediately

Even though this was just a preview, it made me so excited to read the rest of the story! I’ve also heard great things of the rest of the book, so I am very excited to get my hands on the full story!

"They said every copy should be rooted out and burned. Said that they should bring back hanging for sodomites and smut peddlers just for Cox alone. They said all that, and sales had boomed so spectacularly that Miles was still earning on the scandal." (loc. 343)

On the surface, Charlie and Miles don't have too much in common. The one has family wealth and shows it, with the ability to cater to his own whimsy in the weeks before his wedding. The other writes smutty novels to keep his shop afloat. But as it turns out, they share some of the same...whimsical...tastes in books—and other things—and before long things get complicated...

If anything is clear from this preview, it's that the book will be lively and entertaining, with no shortage of wit (and of course no shortage of complication). The late 1800s mean that difference can be risky, and these are characters who have, to varying extents and in various ways, decided to live with some level of risk rather than stuff themselves into the shape expectation demands. I'm very curious about the role of Alma, Charlie's fiancée, in this book, because she's been set up to perhaps have a backbone of steel under that genteel exterior.

If you find "The Gentleman's Book of Vices" to be a good fit, take heart: it's the first in a series, with book two out this year.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a free preview through NetGalley.

While this was only a preview of what is to come, "The Gentleman's Book of Vice's" screamed Barney Stinson's "The Bro Code," which made it an instant request download. Jess Everlee created quiet a story. I was instantly intrigued with Charlie's perspective and Everlee's prose. I enjoyed this preview.