A Gentleman’s Position by K.J. Charles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A GENTLEMAN’S POSITION is a passionate, erotic, historical romance about forbidden love between a British aristocrat and his valet.
Lord Richard Vane has desired his valet David Cyprian ever since he had interviewed David for the position four years ago. The attraction is mutual, but Richard is afraid that as David’s lord and master it would be too easy to take advantage of his servant. Richard thinks it would be too easy for David to submit to him because he doesn’t see David as his equal.
This perceived inequity is the fundamental conflict in their relationship. Richard is torn between duty and entitlement, and believes he’s the one in power, so it’s up to David to bring Richard to his knees so to speak. What was wonderful about their courtship was its honesty. David didn’t manipulate Richard. Instead, Richard had to figure out that it’s not all about him, that David’s wants matter too.
As a result, the sexual tension is both unbearable and delicious. It increases the stakes in their struggling relationship and heightens the forbidden nature of their sexual encounters. This novels reveals much of David’s secrets, such as why his surname is Cyprian, and provides more insight into Richard’s personal life and character. It was interesting to see their different family dynamics, because it helped Richard to see things from another perspective. It showed how much heart Richard had and how much dignity David had.
David is a delightfully complex character. As Richard’s unscrupulous, right hand man, David will do anything to protect Richard and the Society of Gentlemen from prosecution and persecution, not because Richard orders him to but because he loves and is fiercely loyal to Richard. It was heartbreaking when Richard rejected David. It tugged at my heartstrings when Richard disregarded his privilege and upbringing and surrendered to his feelings and desires. It was also sexy as hell.
It was fun to watch David in action, proving how very foxy he is-the man behind the scenes who held all the power, whom the lords looked to and trusted to fix their problems-a thief, master manipulator, and spy. I loved how the villain was taken down in the end. The dialogue in that scene was just superb. This novel, the entire series in fact, was so well-plotted.
I’d love to read more novels like this. Intelligent, well-crafted, sexy, and sophisticated. Suspenseful, intriguing, entertaining, and immensely satisfying.
K.J. Charles’s M/M historical romances are my favorites in the genre, and I hope she’ll write many more.
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
