A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander
Reviewer: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant
Genre: LGBTQ Historical Romance, Fiction
Suggested Age: Adult
What is this book about? Christopher Winterthrope, better known as the Earl of Eden, is an eccentric young man who lives mostly a solitary life at his timeworn Eden estate. His only companions are Chef, the cook, and Plinkton, the butler. They are accustomed to his need for privacy, and they don’t question his unusual ways. Christopher is content being single, but if he doesn’t marry by age 25, he will lose his estate and his title as Earl of Eden. He decides to go to London to find a wife, but the woman that he marries must agree to not have any relations with him. In order to help him secure a wife, he hires James Harding, a valet, because it’s the normal thing to do. However, he does not allow the valet to assist him in any way, especially with dressing. James, who Christopher finds to be strikingly handsome, is eager to help Christopher like a good valet should be. It’s not until Christopher reveals that he is trans that James understands his peculiar ways and comes forth with a special secret of his own which bonds the two together.
My Review: I’m a big fan of Victorian literature. I think that the author of this book really captured the era well. From the first page, I was drawn into the story. It wasn’t until the middle of the book that the author revealed that Christopher is trans, but they hinted at it which kept me curious. I felt sad for the characters who felt the need to be so secretive. It wasn’t until the very end that Christopher and James felt comfortable living their true lives which lifted my spirits.
Rating: 4/5
Three Words that Describe this Book: progressive, alluring, charming
Give this a try if you like: His Lordship’s Folly by Samantha SoRelle, Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles, A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
