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His Lordship's Realm #1
The Gentleman's Gentleman
Despite his noble family, a life of idle indulgence has never suited Gil Charleton. Fortunately, working as the Earl of Crawford’s estate manager requires the same caution, care, and charm he already uses to hide his true desires. On a discreet visit to a pub catering to men like himself, he’s dismayed to see the earl’s imprudent valet. At least the reckless, flirtatious Jarrett doesn’t see him in return.
Jarrett Welch takes any chance to have a little fun—or a lot of fun. But when a man he flirted with winds up dead, he can’t give his alibi. After all, that kind of fun between men carries the same sentence as murder.
Gil knows Jarrett is innocent, but it’s his own life on the line if he comes forward. The only other way to save him is to find the real killer before their shared secret can be revealed.
Working together to clear Jarrett’s name, the attraction between them becomes impossible to fight. But the more the mystery unravels, the more it becomes clear that one of them will have to choose which is more his love… or his life.
Jarrett Welch takes any chance to have a little fun—or a lot of fun. But when a man he flirted with winds up dead, he can’t give his alibi. After all, that kind of fun between men carries the same sentence as murder.
Gil knows Jarrett is innocent, but it’s his own life on the line if he comes forward. The only other way to save him is to find the real killer before their shared secret can be revealed.
Working together to clear Jarrett’s name, the attraction between them becomes impossible to fight. But the more the mystery unravels, the more it becomes clear that one of them will have to choose which is more his love… or his life.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 26, 2024
I very much enjoy Samantha SoRelle's historical novels, especially the ones which mix in an element of suspense or mystery.
Here we get a murder and an investigation which tests both men thoroughly because they cannot reveal the reason why Jarrett is innocent and Gil knows it - as it would involve potentially swinging from the gallows for sodomy.
Set in the His Lordship’s Mysteries universe, Jarrett is valet to the Earl of Crawford, Gil is his estate manager, their paths have crossed and it's been clear there's an attraction on Jarrett's part.
Gil, meanwhile, turns into a tongue-tied idiot around the younger man.
Setting out to prove Jarrett's innocence involves a lot of pained conversations, missing information and UST which hits volcanic heights before eventually they give in and tumble, not quite into bed, but into some pretty sexy times!
For me, I felt the investigation worked well, things were discovered in a reasonably logical way which I could see being drawn together to find the right conclusion.
There were a couple of moments with a bit of plot fortunate elements but not enough that it seemed it was too convenient to move the narrative on.
What I loved the best about this story though, was the way both men stepped up when it really mattered and put their lives literally at risk for the other.
Overall, I've liked stepping back into this world and I'm hoping we'll be seeing more of this pair.
#ARC kindly received from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review
Here we get a murder and an investigation which tests both men thoroughly because they cannot reveal the reason why Jarrett is innocent and Gil knows it - as it would involve potentially swinging from the gallows for sodomy.
Set in the His Lordship’s Mysteries universe, Jarrett is valet to the Earl of Crawford, Gil is his estate manager, their paths have crossed and it's been clear there's an attraction on Jarrett's part.
Gil, meanwhile, turns into a tongue-tied idiot around the younger man.
Setting out to prove Jarrett's innocence involves a lot of pained conversations, missing information and UST which hits volcanic heights before eventually they give in and tumble, not quite into bed, but into some pretty sexy times!
For me, I felt the investigation worked well, things were discovered in a reasonably logical way which I could see being drawn together to find the right conclusion.
There were a couple of moments with a bit of plot fortunate elements but not enough that it seemed it was too convenient to move the narrative on.
What I loved the best about this story though, was the way both men stepped up when it really mattered and put their lives literally at risk for the other.
Overall, I've liked stepping back into this world and I'm hoping we'll be seeing more of this pair.
#ARC kindly received from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review
February 29, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Gentleman’s Gentleman is set adjacent to His Lordships Mysteries series and, while there is some overlap, this can be read as a standalone. Jarrett was something of a tangential character while Alfie and Dominick took center stage in the His Lordship novels, but he was such a likable rascal, I was thrilled to see him get his own book. He and Gil are a compelling couple, sweet without being saccharine, yet each of them dealing with their own problems. They make a great team and do so without their individual personalities being subsumed by the other. At the end of the day, Jarrett just wants a home of his own and someone to share it with. Gil wants someone who understands him and wants him without some sort of agenda. The mystery is fine, but as with most of SoRelle’s works I’ve read, it’s the characters that make this book so enjoyable and, in Gil and Jarrett, she’s created a duo who are almost as engaging as Alfie and Dominick.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Gentleman’s Gentleman is set adjacent to His Lordships Mysteries series and, while there is some overlap, this can be read as a standalone. Jarrett was something of a tangential character while Alfie and Dominick took center stage in the His Lordship novels, but he was such a likable rascal, I was thrilled to see him get his own book. He and Gil are a compelling couple, sweet without being saccharine, yet each of them dealing with their own problems. They make a great team and do so without their individual personalities being subsumed by the other. At the end of the day, Jarrett just wants a home of his own and someone to share it with. Gil wants someone who understands him and wants him without some sort of agenda. The mystery is fine, but as with most of SoRelle’s works I’ve read, it’s the characters that make this book so enjoyable and, in Gil and Jarrett, she’s created a duo who are almost as engaging as Alfie and Dominick.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
April 1, 2024
3.5/5 stars. This was an enjoyable mystery, but I didn’t find the romance portion particularly compelling. There just wasn’t enough detail to make me want the characters to get together or feel satisfied when they did. I think this being a spin-off didn’t help, because both characters have already been introduced and this book didn’t do enough to reinforce or reiterate what’s previously been shown. But overall, it was a fun reading experience.
July 17, 2025
3.5 really
I did enjoy this read, I just felt it dragged a bit in the middle for me. This author writes really fantastic plots and fell short in this. Maybe if I could have gotten a better feel of Jarrett and Gil this wouldn't have bothered me as much, but wasn't particularly interested in either of these characters enough to just spend time with them alone in the times were the plot dragged a bit.
I did enjoy this read, I just felt it dragged a bit in the middle for me. This author writes really fantastic plots and fell short in this. Maybe if I could have gotten a better feel of Jarrett and Gil this wouldn't have bothered me as much, but wasn't particularly interested in either of these characters enough to just spend time with them alone in the times were the plot dragged a bit.
March 6, 2024
This is the first book in a historical series
(His Lordship's Realm) which takes place in the same universe as His Lordship's Mysteries but with different MCs. Gil is a nobleman, the nephew of the Earl of Crawford, who manages the Earl's estate. Jarrett is the earl's valet.
Keep in mind that this is an era where men are hanged for "sodomy" because this is an important part of the plot.
The Cross Keys is a discreet pub which has secret rooms for the use of men who wish to spend a bit of time with each other. Gil and Jarrett both happened to be there one night, although Gil slipped out before Jarrett could see him. The next day, a man's dead body is found in a run down chapel, and the magistrate arrests Jarrett for the crime of murder. Gil knows Jarrett didn't do it because he saw him at the pub last night, but he cannot say that to anyone. It would save Jarrett from hanging for a murder, but he would cause both of them to be hanged for sodomy. He had to work out another way to find the real murderer.
Gil managed to get Jarrett out of jail under his supervision so that they could attempt to find the real killer and clear Jarrett's name. From here on, there is a lot of action and activity as the two of them find clues that could help Jarrett's case, but they have yet to find the final clue which will determine that Jarrett is indeed innocent. But until they do, in the back of Gil,'s mind, there is the chance that Jarrett might run away, and Gil could be jailed for losing the prisoner.
You will not know who the murderer is, until the very end when the mystery is solved. And it is solved in an Agatha Christie way, with the whole family gathered and Gil explaining his method of discovering the murderer. And by the way, during the course of the story, Gil and Jarrett fall in love.
This book is a standalone, but at the very end, the author left a hint that there will be more adventures with Gil and Jarrett. I am looking forward to reading further books in this series.
(His Lordship's Realm) which takes place in the same universe as His Lordship's Mysteries but with different MCs. Gil is a nobleman, the nephew of the Earl of Crawford, who manages the Earl's estate. Jarrett is the earl's valet.
Keep in mind that this is an era where men are hanged for "sodomy" because this is an important part of the plot.
The Cross Keys is a discreet pub which has secret rooms for the use of men who wish to spend a bit of time with each other. Gil and Jarrett both happened to be there one night, although Gil slipped out before Jarrett could see him. The next day, a man's dead body is found in a run down chapel, and the magistrate arrests Jarrett for the crime of murder. Gil knows Jarrett didn't do it because he saw him at the pub last night, but he cannot say that to anyone. It would save Jarrett from hanging for a murder, but he would cause both of them to be hanged for sodomy. He had to work out another way to find the real murderer.
Gil managed to get Jarrett out of jail under his supervision so that they could attempt to find the real killer and clear Jarrett's name. From here on, there is a lot of action and activity as the two of them find clues that could help Jarrett's case, but they have yet to find the final clue which will determine that Jarrett is indeed innocent. But until they do, in the back of Gil,'s mind, there is the chance that Jarrett might run away, and Gil could be jailed for losing the prisoner.
You will not know who the murderer is, until the very end when the mystery is solved. And it is solved in an Agatha Christie way, with the whole family gathered and Gil explaining his method of discovering the murderer. And by the way, during the course of the story, Gil and Jarrett fall in love.
This book is a standalone, but at the very end, the author left a hint that there will be more adventures with Gil and Jarrett. I am looking forward to reading further books in this series.
June 19, 2026
I completed The Gentleman’s Gentleman during a train ride from Milan to Tuscany, and it proved to be a pleasant surprise.
What begins as a historical romance gradually reveals itself to be a well-crafted murder mystery set in early 19th-century Scotland. By the final chapters, I found myself reminded of an Agatha Christie drawing-room mystery, with a touch of Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Gil, the estate manager, serves as the keen observer and investigator, while Jarrett, the valet, becomes his loyal companion. The difference here, of course, is that Holmes and Watson eventually fall in love.
The mystery kept me guessing almost until the very end, something I always appreciate. I was genuinely stumped regarding the culprit until it was revealed.
Beyond the mystery, Samantha SoRelle fills the novel with memorable observations and elegant lines. A few that particularly stood out to me:
“You can never be sure you really know a person, can you?”
“Women often have secrets their husbands know nothing about.”
“At least I follow through on my promises.”
And perhaps the most touching reflection in the novel:
“It wasn’t just caring for him or even something as simple as lust. It was love.”
The relationship between Gil and Jarrett develops against a backdrop where discovery could have devastating consequences, giving their growing affection genuine emotional weight (and the time period). I also enjoyed the author’s observations on human nature, compromise, loyalty, and the risks people take for love.
One of my favorite sentiments in the book was the simple idea that:
“Love was all about compromises.”
The ending was satisfying, the mystery was cleverly handled, and the romance was real enough. If you enjoy historical mysteries, Regency-era settings, and a gay romance woven naturally into the story rather than dominating it, this is worth reading.
What begins as a historical romance gradually reveals itself to be a well-crafted murder mystery set in early 19th-century Scotland. By the final chapters, I found myself reminded of an Agatha Christie drawing-room mystery, with a touch of Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Gil, the estate manager, serves as the keen observer and investigator, while Jarrett, the valet, becomes his loyal companion. The difference here, of course, is that Holmes and Watson eventually fall in love.
The mystery kept me guessing almost until the very end, something I always appreciate. I was genuinely stumped regarding the culprit until it was revealed.
Beyond the mystery, Samantha SoRelle fills the novel with memorable observations and elegant lines. A few that particularly stood out to me:
“You can never be sure you really know a person, can you?”
“Women often have secrets their husbands know nothing about.”
“At least I follow through on my promises.”
And perhaps the most touching reflection in the novel:
“It wasn’t just caring for him or even something as simple as lust. It was love.”
The relationship between Gil and Jarrett develops against a backdrop where discovery could have devastating consequences, giving their growing affection genuine emotional weight (and the time period). I also enjoyed the author’s observations on human nature, compromise, loyalty, and the risks people take for love.
One of my favorite sentiments in the book was the simple idea that:
“Love was all about compromises.”
The ending was satisfying, the mystery was cleverly handled, and the romance was real enough. If you enjoy historical mysteries, Regency-era settings, and a gay romance woven naturally into the story rather than dominating it, this is worth reading.
May 3, 2024
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book kinda follows on from anoth series by this author called His Lordship’s Mysteries but it’s not necessary to read those before this one. While Dominick and Alfie are mentioned, and this book takes place in Balcarres House where they live, they take no part in it. I’ve read books one and two in that set, but not all the series.
I really enjoyed this book! Set in Victorian times, it comes with all the problems that being a man of a certain persuasion brings.
And it’s those problems that hold for much of this book. Given as the only way to save Jarrett from the noose is to put his own neck in it, Gil keeps quiet about seeing Jarrett the night that man in the chapel died at the hands of another. And it wrecks his head, it really does. His attraction to Jarrett has been bubbling under his skin for months but seeing him in the one place he never thought he would, brings that attraction front and centre.
Jarrett, on the other hand, found himself getting all tongue tied and flustered around Gil, even if he wanted to get his hands on the son of a baron, Jarrett knows that he never will, since he is just a lowly valet.
Things move quickly in places, and slower in others and I liked that I was able to take a breath before the next bit ran away with itself. Once things started to come together, though, there was no catching that breath and I did not know whodunnit til everything became clear in the book! So very well played for keeping me on my toes!
Both Jarrett and Gil get a say, so we get it all in glorious detail. How Jarrett feels about the man who gets him out of jail. How Gil feels about his family and about the man whose kiss he will never forget, and we get it all, when each man teaches the other about their way. I loved how different they both are!
A thoroughly enjoyable read! I really must go back and read the other stories about Alfie and Dominick.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book kinda follows on from anoth series by this author called His Lordship’s Mysteries but it’s not necessary to read those before this one. While Dominick and Alfie are mentioned, and this book takes place in Balcarres House where they live, they take no part in it. I’ve read books one and two in that set, but not all the series.
I really enjoyed this book! Set in Victorian times, it comes with all the problems that being a man of a certain persuasion brings.
And it’s those problems that hold for much of this book. Given as the only way to save Jarrett from the noose is to put his own neck in it, Gil keeps quiet about seeing Jarrett the night that man in the chapel died at the hands of another. And it wrecks his head, it really does. His attraction to Jarrett has been bubbling under his skin for months but seeing him in the one place he never thought he would, brings that attraction front and centre.
Jarrett, on the other hand, found himself getting all tongue tied and flustered around Gil, even if he wanted to get his hands on the son of a baron, Jarrett knows that he never will, since he is just a lowly valet.
Things move quickly in places, and slower in others and I liked that I was able to take a breath before the next bit ran away with itself. Once things started to come together, though, there was no catching that breath and I did not know whodunnit til everything became clear in the book! So very well played for keeping me on my toes!
Both Jarrett and Gil get a say, so we get it all in glorious detail. How Jarrett feels about the man who gets him out of jail. How Gil feels about his family and about the man whose kiss he will never forget, and we get it all, when each man teaches the other about their way. I loved how different they both are!
A thoroughly enjoyable read! I really must go back and read the other stories about Alfie and Dominick.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
February 23, 2024
First in series (His Lordship’s Realm). This is set in the author’s His Lordship’s Mysteries universe for fans of that series. Historical mystery. Slow burn. Young valet Jarrett doesn’t expect that one instance of flirtation would lead to being accused of murder, and his only help might be the handsome and charming Gil Charleton. As an estate manager for an earl, Gil knows how to negotiate, but providing an alibi for Jarrett might get them both the hangman’s noose, so instead Gil vows to help Jarrett find the true murderer. There’s never a doubt for me that Samantha SoRelle will deliver a well written story, with main characters that draw you in, and a murder mystery to boot that is so entertaining and enjoyable I grab everything she writes (I admit to having read almost everything she’s ever published). Both young and yet experienced, they are from different backgrounds, but Gil and Jarrett find themselves falling into something special and worth any sacrifice. I just loved every minute of this story and can’t wait for more.
January 8, 2025
Yet another excellent read by Samantha SoRelle! I didn’t think I would be all that invested in Jarrett’s story when I first encountered him in the main series. I felt he was a rather one note character who’s only purpose was to stir up some drama between Alfie and Dominick, but SoRelle gives him full life and dimension in this book and has given him a firm place in my heart alongside her other main characters. So glad to see more of Gil as well, he seemed so put together in the previous book, but it was fun to see his messy family dynamics and what it’s like when he lets his hair down, literally, haha.
His Lordship’s Mysteries and His Lordship’s Realm are amazing reads and I cannot wait for more from this author and her wonderful characters!
His Lordship’s Mysteries and His Lordship’s Realm are amazing reads and I cannot wait for more from this author and her wonderful characters!
March 3, 2024
Set in the world of Dominick and the Earl of Crawford, this book features 2 of their employees. Gil, the estate's manager and Jarrett, the Earl's valet.
After an evening out, Jarrett is arrested after a man is found murdered. Gil can alibi him but is afraid it would leave them both for the rope as they were in a pub where men go to meet other men.
The story follows Gil trying to clear Jarrett's name and in the meantime they fall in love.
After an evening out, Jarrett is arrested after a man is found murdered. Gil can alibi him but is afraid it would leave them both for the rope as they were in a pub where men go to meet other men.
The story follows Gil trying to clear Jarrett's name and in the meantime they fall in love.
January 5, 2025
4.5*
Whilst set in the world of Alfie and Nick, we don't see them but valet Jarrett lands up in a whole world of trouble.
It does highlight how vulnerable people were to their 'betters' and how harsh local justice could be.
Gil knows Jarrett is innocent and sets out to prove it, in a bit of a haphazard way. But eventually the pieces start to fall into a very uncomfortable place.
Enjoyed, pacy read.
Whilst set in the world of Alfie and Nick, we don't see them but valet Jarrett lands up in a whole world of trouble.
It does highlight how vulnerable people were to their 'betters' and how harsh local justice could be.
Gil knows Jarrett is innocent and sets out to prove it, in a bit of a haphazard way. But eventually the pieces start to fall into a very uncomfortable place.
Enjoyed, pacy read.
March 28, 2024
(4.5/5) An entertaining mystery with splashes of romance. I am very much a fan of SoRelle's Lordship books and overall this one did not disappoint. Both main characters - Gil and Jarrett - are very likable and the banter between them is top-notch. I would have liked a bit more spice, but other than that, this was a page-turner for me. A fun read any Regency fan should add to their TBR!
March 13, 2024
THE GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMAN is the first book in the His Lordship's Realm series which, as you might expect, is in the same world as His Lordship's Mysteries. Alfie and Dom are mentioned in here, but the spotlight is on Jarrett and Gil.
They certainly are a case of opposites attract, and it worked so well! When Jarrett is accused of murder, Gil is the only one who believes him. Unfortunately, the reason he believes him is one neither of them can talk about unless they want to be hung! This leads to a series of events as Gil tries to prove Jarrett's innocence.
The mystery side worked well, as I would expect from a Samantha SoRelle book, but for me, it was the slow-burn romance that worked so well, set in such difficult times. And with the added nuggets of historical information too, it made for an interesting read.
Thoroughly enjoyable with wonderful characters. I am hoping to see snapshots of Alfie and Dom though, but that's just me! 😆 Definitely recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 1, 2024
They certainly are a case of opposites attract, and it worked so well! When Jarrett is accused of murder, Gil is the only one who believes him. Unfortunately, the reason he believes him is one neither of them can talk about unless they want to be hung! This leads to a series of events as Gil tries to prove Jarrett's innocence.
The mystery side worked well, as I would expect from a Samantha SoRelle book, but for me, it was the slow-burn romance that worked so well, set in such difficult times. And with the added nuggets of historical information too, it made for an interesting read.
Thoroughly enjoyable with wonderful characters. I am hoping to see snapshots of Alfie and Dom though, but that's just me! 😆 Definitely recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 1, 2024
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed this start of the new series and being able to get to know Gil and Jarret more. Can't wait to see where the series takes us.
Want to Read
July 19, 20247/2024: I received a copy as part of the Romancing the Vote auction!
February 5, 2025
this was kind of messy but i was charmed
March 15, 2024
A clever little mystery
Ms. SoRelle put another great murder mystery together to draw our lovely main characters into their forbidden romance. Both Jarrett and Gil stayed true to their personalities—one being a reckless, wounded wanton and the other a cautious, thorough stalwart. As much as I miss Alfie and Dominick, Jarrett and Gill filled in beautifully. I can’t wait for the next book!
Ms. SoRelle put another great murder mystery together to draw our lovely main characters into their forbidden romance. Both Jarrett and Gil stayed true to their personalities—one being a reckless, wounded wanton and the other a cautious, thorough stalwart. As much as I miss Alfie and Dominick, Jarrett and Gill filled in beautifully. I can’t wait for the next book!
May 31, 2025
Jarrett is such a wanton, absurd little shit. He is just absolutely hopeless and hilarious, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE him. That is all.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews