A Fashionable Indulgence (A Society of Gentlemen #1)

Title: A Fashionable Indulgence (A Society of Gentlemen #1)
Author: K.J. Charles
Publisher: Loveswept Publishing
Release Date: August 11, 2015
Genre(s): Historical
Page Count: 264
Reviewed by: Renee
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
Blurb:

When he learns that he could be the heir to an unexpected fortune, Harry Vane rejects his past as a Radical fighting for government reform and sets about wooing his lovely cousin. But his heart is captured instead by the most beautiful, chic man he’s ever met: the dandy tasked with instructing him in the manners and style of the ton. Harry’s new station demands conformity—and yet the one thing he desires is a taste of the wrong pair of lips.

After witnessing firsthand the horrors of Waterloo, Julius Norreys sought refuge behind the luxurious facade of the upper crust. Now he concerns himself exclusively with the cut of his coat and the quality of his boots. And yet his protégé is so unblemished by cynicism that he inspires the first flare of genuine desire Julius has felt in years. He cannot protect Harry from the worst excesses of society. But together they can withstand the high price of passion.

I’m not a HUGE m/m historical fan, but I did quite enjoy the Magpie series from Charles. So I knew I had to give this one a go since it didn’t even contain the paranormal element that isn’t my usual cuppa either.

I was a bit put off by the blurb. It’s confusing and all over the place, so let’s see if I can simplify a bit for you: Harry is the son of two radical parents in early 19th century England. They pass away, and he is alone. He doesn’t want to continue fighting the great fight and dodging arrest and public flogging, but radicals are the only people he knows. Then his grandfather sends for him. You see, his father was actually a very rich man before he married beneath his station and was disowned. So Harry is brought into the fold. His cousin, Richard, and Richard’s friends take Harry under their wing. Julius, in particular, spends months “training” Harry how to be an English gentleman – how to live up to his birthright.

Harry is young, innocent, and naïve when it comes to the ways of the English gentlemen. Julius shows him the way. Julius is ice cold in many ways, but Harry thaws him out little by little. This is a slow burn in every way, but I enjoyed it immensely.

There is political intrigue and murder and suspense along with the romance in this story. Charles weaves quite the web. The writing is impeccable – exactly what I’ve come to expect with this author. The best part of this book was seeing a very friendly, but distant man (Julius) come to life in the presence and love of Harry. The romance! Sigh. So much is placed into kissing in this book. I got giddy from the kissing!!! Just take my word for it. But it doesn’t end with just the kissing….

I was biting my nails that Charles wouldn’t be able to pull off the HEA as my Kindle ate up locations, but BAM! It happened, and it was a wonderful ending. Some people got their well-deserved comeuppance.

I will go out on a limb and say I enjoyed this MORE than the Magpie story. Gasp! Yes I said it.

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