Stevie‘s review of A Gentleman’s Position (Society of Gentlemen, Book 3) by KJ Charles
Gay Historical Romance published by Loveswept 05 Apr 16
I’m sad to see KJ Charles wrap up her Society of Gentlemen series (although I gather a spin-off series may be in the pipeline), but at least she’s ending the saga with a pairing that’s been waiting in the wings all along. We learned in the previous story that Lord Richard Vane’s valet, David Cyprian, has been scheming all along to get his master’s former lover out of the way (or at least happily settled) in order to stand a chance of seeing his own feelings requited. Now that Richard has no one to pine for – given the way his morals work – David finally has a chance. Except, of course, Richard’s pesky morals won’t let him do anything that he might regard as taking advantage of someone he has power over.
Throughout the series, David has been the ultimate fixer or flashman. If Richard (and, by extension, any of his friends) needs something or someone got out of the way, David will see that the annoyance disappears – with no sign that links the disappearance to those he serves. He’s as proud of his unseen work as he is of his official work in Richard’s household, and his worth is shown also by how many other fashionable or powerful men want to hire him away from Richard’s employ. David sees nothing wrong with the idea of a relationship with his employer, but when he makes a move, Richard turns him down – those pesky morals again – only to make him a new offer. If David will accept promotion to Richard’s confidential secretary, then they can have a relationship – still, a secret one, given the era – but one in which Richard won’t feel that he holds all the power.
David, however, takes offence at the idea he isn’t free to make his own choices while working in a position he enjoys. Unlike certain others of his class, he has no interest in reading – or in being an equal to those with all the wealth – and he feels he’d be less effective at his sneakier tasks if people saw him as more than a valet. Then Richard receives bad news and almost turns to David for comfort. They quarrel, and David leaves, believing himself to have been dismissed permanently.
In David’s absence, an old adversary of the group shows just how nasty he can be, producing a letter, which, were it to be made public, would ruin Richard and all his friends. His price? The withdrawal of the evidence that’s shielding the two former radicals of the group from prosecution. Richard needs David back, and he needs his friends’ help as well, if they’re to find a way out of a seemingly impossible dilemma.
I love the way this book tied up so many loose ends from the previous stories, although I still want to know more about Will Quex and Jon Shakespeare. The politics of the day weren’t to the forefront in the way they were in the other two novel-length stories, but we did get to see the attitudes of those who, while they might not benefit entirely from the status quo, are prepared to work within the boundaries society sets for them rather than fight against them. All in all a marvellous series, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long before we get to revisit this world.
Grade: A
Summary:
Among his eccentric though strictly principled group of friends, Lord Richard Vane is the confidant on whom everyone depends for advice, moral rectitude, and discreet assistance. Yet when Richard has a problem, he turns to his valet, a fixer of unparalleled genius—and the object of Richard’s deepest desires. If there is one rule a gentleman must follow, it is never to dally with servants. But when David is close enough to touch, the rules of class collide with the basest sort of animal instinct: overpowering lust.
For David Cyprian, burglary and blackmail are as much in a day’s work as bootblacking—anything for the man he’s devoted to. But the one thing he wants for himself is the one thing Richard refuses to give: his heart. With the tension between them growing to be unbearable, David’s seemingly incorruptible master has left him no choice. Putting his finely honed skills of seduction and manipulation to good use, he will convince Richard to forget all about his well-meaning objections and give in to sweet, sinful temptation.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
