Queen B’s Decree: I’m loving the increase in queer historical romances. It obviously happened (they were roommates!) and I love that we are writing and talking about it.
A Gentleman’s Gentleman stars Lord Christopher, a reclusive Earl who has to marry within the next few months to keep his title and land. Enter James Harding, Christopher’s new valet, to help him transition to London and woo a wife. The only twist…is that Christopher wasn’t born male, so any wife would have to be accepting of his secret and the marriage of convenience.
This story felt a little less like a romance and more of a coming of age. It’s told in third person from Christopher’s point of view, and so much of the story revolves around Christopher coming to terms with himself, his wants, and accepting who he is. I felt genuine friendship (and some lust) between Christopher and James, but I was missing the emotional connection and romance.
Regardless, I still really enjoyed this story and had a fun time listening to it. The narrator Harrison Knights did such a good job conveying Christopher’s quirky personality.
Book: A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander
Series: standalone
Genre: Historical
Plot Devices/Tropes: transgender