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A Sensible Gentleman: A Regency Gay Romance Short Story
Kenneth
As the heir, I have always done whatever I please. My conquests are legendary, and my concern for others negligible. When I meet our new servant, though, I discover someone who won’t bow to my whims. I will admit, I’m intrigued.
Walter
As the new valet in the household, I am aware of my precarious position. Still, work isn't everything. When I meet the son of the manor, a demanding brat, I set aside my concern for my employment to teach the young man a lesson about respecting those around him.
A Sensible Gentleman is a 10k-word graphic and racy gay romance Regency short story set in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility world, with a headstrong young brat and the valet happy to put him in his place. The story was previously available in Jane Austen’s Tea Party.
As the heir, I have always done whatever I please. My conquests are legendary, and my concern for others negligible. When I meet our new servant, though, I discover someone who won’t bow to my whims. I will admit, I’m intrigued.
Walter
As the new valet in the household, I am aware of my precarious position. Still, work isn't everything. When I meet the son of the manor, a demanding brat, I set aside my concern for my employment to teach the young man a lesson about respecting those around him.
A Sensible Gentleman is a 10k-word graphic and racy gay romance Regency short story set in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility world, with a headstrong young brat and the valet happy to put him in his place. The story was previously available in Jane Austen’s Tea Party.
51 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2025
About the author
Gabbi Grey
100 books290 followersGabbi lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 31, 2026
₊˚⊹ | 4 ★ read .ᐟ
I felt the strong urge to sip hot tea while reading this. OH BOY... it didn't give me the chance to breathe, as short it as was. The level of spice spoke volumes. Loved the idea, wish it was longer.
I felt the strong urge to sip hot tea while reading this. OH BOY... it didn't give me the chance to breathe, as short it as was. The level of spice spoke volumes. Loved the idea, wish it was longer.
March 2, 2025
Talk about hot and sexy! Those Victorian's, all prim and proper, that is until they retire to their boudoir. I really enjoyed this short but sexy tale, both men, one a valet and the other an arrogant wealthy young man, are rather irresistible to read as one teaches the other a lesson. But, sadly it was over too soon, would be wonderful see them again in another story.
June 22, 2026
A simple, yet deliciously arousing short story.
Read
September 8, 2026TL;DR: If you're looking for a historical romance, you might want to give this one a pass. If you’re in the mood for some smut dressed dress up in regency clothing, featuring a problematic MC, this might be for you.
The actual review:
This was a quick and problematic read. Had this been set in a fantasy world or an alternate reality, it could have been less problematic. But it's specifically stated that this is "a short story set in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility world", i.e. the "real world" in the late 1790's.
The blurb describes Kenneth as a brat and it’s stated early in the book that he's making people upset by dragging mud all over the floor. He also has a habit of throwing plates around. He's very disrespectful. But Kenneth doesn't stop there and I wouldn't call him a brat. The abuse of domestic servants was wide spread during the time this book takes place, that includes sexual abuse. So I’m sure there were people like Kenneth, systematically abusing their power and sexually assaulting the staff. However, they rarely are the protagonists in romance books. They might show up as villains (more on that later). So to have a modern day romance author pass his behaviour off as a naughty boy who needs to learn better manners...it's very odd. And it's all written like a fun romp, which makes it even stranger.
Being an upper servant was considered a good job, one you wouldn't want to lose. And that sort of work was also highly dependent on recommendations and referrals. A valet was especially dependent on a good reputation, since you were in charge of expensive and rare items. So your employer had quite a lot of power over you; power that Kenneth happily abuses. Those in his employ that can/dare to leave, does so. And when I say dare to leave, that's exactly what I mean. An employee could be sent to a house of correction for hard labour if they breached a contract, which includes leaving employment if it hasn't been agreed upon. So it's no wonder staff would stay. In the case of this book, that meant being made to have sexual interactions with Kenneth; something they clearly were uncomfortable with and couldn't say no to.
I can sort of understand how Kenneth’s reputation survived all these disgruntled staff members, considering how society worked back then. But he doesn’t fully hide his interest in men among his peers, he hints at it now and then with friends; and that's an entirely different ballpark. This was at time when buggery was a capital offence, i.e. death penalty. The law might not have been enforced all too often, but there was always a risk. And it would have been a huge scandal if law enforcement started to investigate. So it's strange that he's not more discrete.
Then there's the issue of Kenneth's father hiring someone to spank his son “until he gets good manners”. Technically the master of the household could physically punish his staff, his wife and his children. I don’t think it extended to adult male children, but I am no expert. And he would have done it himself. He probably would have seen it not only as his right to do so, but also as his duty. He wouldn't have hired someone else to do it, unless he had some other ulterior motives. He also seems to be aware of Kenneth's sexual misconduct, so he doesn't come across as trustworthy. The fact that Walter plays along with this scheme is astounding. A valet laying hand on their employer...we’re talking potential prison time here.
Finally, the fact that this is marketed as a Jane Austen-ish story. Sure, there are a lot of references to the characters from Sense and Sensibility. Funnily enough Kenneth seems to like spending time with Willoughby, the “villain”/romantic antagonist of Sense and Sensibility. To quote Alanis Morissette, isn’t it ironic? Anyway, this story has nothing to do with Jane Austen. It's basically 50 pages of smut trying to dress up as a historical romance. If that's what you're looking for, you might like it. If you're looking for an actual historical romance, you might want to give this one a pass.
Disclaimer: I'm not saying you couldn't have a historical romance built around a valet dominating his master, ofcourse you could. But it would work better if they knew and trusted eachother before they got around to the spanking.
The actual review:
This was a quick and problematic read. Had this been set in a fantasy world or an alternate reality, it could have been less problematic. But it's specifically stated that this is "a short story set in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility world", i.e. the "real world" in the late 1790's.
The blurb describes Kenneth as a brat and it’s stated early in the book that he's making people upset by dragging mud all over the floor. He also has a habit of throwing plates around. He's very disrespectful. But Kenneth doesn't stop there and I wouldn't call him a brat. The abuse of domestic servants was wide spread during the time this book takes place, that includes sexual abuse. So I’m sure there were people like Kenneth, systematically abusing their power and sexually assaulting the staff. However, they rarely are the protagonists in romance books. They might show up as villains (more on that later). So to have a modern day romance author pass his behaviour off as a naughty boy who needs to learn better manners...it's very odd. And it's all written like a fun romp, which makes it even stranger.
Being an upper servant was considered a good job, one you wouldn't want to lose. And that sort of work was also highly dependent on recommendations and referrals. A valet was especially dependent on a good reputation, since you were in charge of expensive and rare items. So your employer had quite a lot of power over you; power that Kenneth happily abuses. Those in his employ that can/dare to leave, does so. And when I say dare to leave, that's exactly what I mean. An employee could be sent to a house of correction for hard labour if they breached a contract, which includes leaving employment if it hasn't been agreed upon. So it's no wonder staff would stay. In the case of this book, that meant being made to have sexual interactions with Kenneth; something they clearly were uncomfortable with and couldn't say no to.
I can sort of understand how Kenneth’s reputation survived all these disgruntled staff members, considering how society worked back then. But he doesn’t fully hide his interest in men among his peers, he hints at it now and then with friends; and that's an entirely different ballpark. This was at time when buggery was a capital offence, i.e. death penalty. The law might not have been enforced all too often, but there was always a risk. And it would have been a huge scandal if law enforcement started to investigate. So it's strange that he's not more discrete.
Then there's the issue of Kenneth's father hiring someone to spank his son “until he gets good manners”. Technically the master of the household could physically punish his staff, his wife and his children. I don’t think it extended to adult male children, but I am no expert. And he would have done it himself. He probably would have seen it not only as his right to do so, but also as his duty. He wouldn't have hired someone else to do it, unless he had some other ulterior motives. He also seems to be aware of Kenneth's sexual misconduct, so he doesn't come across as trustworthy. The fact that Walter plays along with this scheme is astounding. A valet laying hand on their employer...we’re talking potential prison time here.
Finally, the fact that this is marketed as a Jane Austen-ish story. Sure, there are a lot of references to the characters from Sense and Sensibility. Funnily enough Kenneth seems to like spending time with Willoughby, the “villain”/romantic antagonist of Sense and Sensibility. To quote Alanis Morissette, isn’t it ironic? Anyway, this story has nothing to do with Jane Austen. It's basically 50 pages of smut trying to dress up as a historical romance. If that's what you're looking for, you might like it. If you're looking for an actual historical romance, you might want to give this one a pass.
Disclaimer: I'm not saying you couldn't have a historical romance built around a valet dominating his master, ofcourse you could. But it would work better if they knew and trusted eachother before they got around to the spanking.
May 13, 2025
Short, extra spicy, spanking excellence, yes please and thank you.
March 11, 2025
Kenneth is a character drawn from what I am sure many of us have perceived as the entitled rich boy. This entitled rich boy is, in this story at least, a Regency gentleman. That gives the story an additionally nuanced 'naughtiness' so to speak.
Kenneth is spoilt, rich and prefers the company of men something that was very much illegal at the time, hence the addition of the nuanced naughtiness some readers might notice.
Walter is not rich or spoiled. He is working, possibly once he gets his role as Kenneth's valet, an upper working class man, one who has to rely on work for income and survival.
But the story is less about who they are and more about what they can do for one another, who they can be for one another. The setting, the period of time, their different classes, these are important factors but more important is the dynamic between the two men. Kenneth should be the one with all the power and control, to some extent he has been but once Walter becomes his valet he takes that away from the younger man, effectively demonstrating that what Kenneth needs is someone to tell him what to do. Someone to instruct him.
This is an exciting, intriguing and fascinating short story on so many levels and for so many reasons, it is also a wonderfully quick read, offering a quick fix for those of us addicted to our MM romances!
Kenneth is spoilt, rich and prefers the company of men something that was very much illegal at the time, hence the addition of the nuanced naughtiness some readers might notice.
Walter is not rich or spoiled. He is working, possibly once he gets his role as Kenneth's valet, an upper working class man, one who has to rely on work for income and survival.
But the story is less about who they are and more about what they can do for one another, who they can be for one another. The setting, the period of time, their different classes, these are important factors but more important is the dynamic between the two men. Kenneth should be the one with all the power and control, to some extent he has been but once Walter becomes his valet he takes that away from the younger man, effectively demonstrating that what Kenneth needs is someone to tell him what to do. Someone to instruct him.
This is an exciting, intriguing and fascinating short story on so many levels and for so many reasons, it is also a wonderfully quick read, offering a quick fix for those of us addicted to our MM romances!
June 22, 2025
This was a very difficult short story to rate. It is advertised as a “gay romance Regency set in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility world” but really, the only thing it has in common with Regency is the dress.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, we have Kenneth, a 23-year-old heir to an Earldom who is a spoiled brat who treats others abominably. His father, the Earl, has threatened him with corporal punishment (at 23!!!) but it hasn’t changed his attitude. So the Earl brings in Walter to be Kenneth’s valet. This is the sixth valet Kenneth has gone through but the Earl is counting on Walter to give him, “A firm hand, Walter….And you know what I mean.” Right here, I thought no way.
So this is a short basically porn story with spanking and mild D/s. I wasn’t expecting it to be just sex, so that was a surprise, As erotica, it’s good, as they call it a “one-handed read”. As a romance, it requires a lot of suspending belief and definitely can’t be considered a regular Regency romance.
There was a part that said, “He headed for the bed and quickly slid underneath.” And I thought he climbed under the bed? No, he climbed under the covers. But it threw me for a minute.
The narrator does a great job with it, and his voice is smooth. So if you are looking for some straight up sexy time, this is the story.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo, we have Kenneth, a 23-year-old heir to an Earldom who is a spoiled brat who treats others abominably. His father, the Earl, has threatened him with corporal punishment (at 23!!!) but it hasn’t changed his attitude. So the Earl brings in Walter to be Kenneth’s valet. This is the sixth valet Kenneth has gone through but the Earl is counting on Walter to give him, “A firm hand, Walter….And you know what I mean.” Right here, I thought no way.
So this is a short basically porn story with spanking and mild D/s. I wasn’t expecting it to be just sex, so that was a surprise, As erotica, it’s good, as they call it a “one-handed read”. As a romance, it requires a lot of suspending belief and definitely can’t be considered a regular Regency romance.
There was a part that said, “He headed for the bed and quickly slid underneath.” And I thought he climbed under the bed? No, he climbed under the covers. But it threw me for a minute.
The narrator does a great job with it, and his voice is smooth. So if you are looking for some straight up sexy time, this is the story.
April 9, 2025
“My son is out of control... A firm hand, Walter. He needs to be taken by the hand and shown the way to behave. To represent the family. No more carousing. No more inappropriate liaisons. And you know what I mean... You do whatever is necessary. Whatever. I want him whipped into shape.”
I loved the concept of this book- especially in regards to the regency time period. Kenneth is used to doing whatever he wants rather than behave like an appropriate heir, and has no plans of marrying and creating his own heir any time soon. His father threatened him with corporal punishment if he didn't straighten out his behavior, but Kenneth didn't take him seriously. Until Walter was hired and told Kenneth he'd be punished if he didn't behave appropriately. The brat that he was, Kenneth had no intentions of following such an order, and thought the idea of punishment fun. Walter did not hold back and the bratty man still resisted.
This was a very fun story! I really hope Michael Ferraiuolo will narrate this one, just like "An Uncommon Gentleman." 5 stars
I loved the concept of this book- especially in regards to the regency time period. Kenneth is used to doing whatever he wants rather than behave like an appropriate heir, and has no plans of marrying and creating his own heir any time soon. His father threatened him with corporal punishment if he didn't straighten out his behavior, but Kenneth didn't take him seriously. Until Walter was hired and told Kenneth he'd be punished if he didn't behave appropriately. The brat that he was, Kenneth had no intentions of following such an order, and thought the idea of punishment fun. Walter did not hold back and the bratty man still resisted.
This was a very fun story! I really hope Michael Ferraiuolo will narrate this one, just like "An Uncommon Gentleman." 5 stars
March 13, 2025
This is Not the Jane Austen spin-off that you are used to. This seemed vaguely familiar and after rereading the blurb I realized that I had read the Anthology that this was a part of.
It is set in a Sense & Sensibility sequel universe with original characters that socialize with the not so nice characters from S&S. They didn't get a HEA btw. Kenneth, our spoiled bratty heir does though (unconventionally) with his valet, Walter.
Not for the feint of heart or a traditionalist Janeite - this is a MM explicit romance. I liked the writing style (and the fact that Willoughby and R Ferrars were not the happiest of creatures). Call me petty.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is set in a Sense & Sensibility sequel universe with original characters that socialize with the not so nice characters from S&S. They didn't get a HEA btw. Kenneth, our spoiled bratty heir does though (unconventionally) with his valet, Walter.
Not for the feint of heart or a traditionalist Janeite - this is a MM explicit romance. I liked the writing style (and the fact that Willoughby and R Ferrars were not the happiest of creatures). Call me petty.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2025
Marcus Stanhope, Earl Cockaigne, hires Walter to be his son’s, Kenneth’s, new valet. Kenneth is the eldest son, unmarried, and expected to settle down, marry, and produce an heir – even though his younger brother is already married with a son.
Walter wastes no time beginning to “correct” Kenneth’s behavior, turning the tables on the young Lord. Instead of being in charge, Kenneth is subjected to the same treatment he’d been giving his other servants. Clearly, Walter is now in charge. And Kenneth? He likes it.
I think this short novella might be Grey’s first foray into Regency Romance, and it will be interesting to see if she continues with this setting and tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Walter wastes no time beginning to “correct” Kenneth’s behavior, turning the tables on the young Lord. Instead of being in charge, Kenneth is subjected to the same treatment he’d been giving his other servants. Clearly, Walter is now in charge. And Kenneth? He likes it.
I think this short novella might be Grey’s first foray into Regency Romance, and it will be interesting to see if she continues with this setting and tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
This isn't the kind of historically accurate bdsm spanking story I've been trying to find, but only because this is an m/m romance, not a femdom one. Still, Georgian era men enjoying being spanked is Georgian era men enjoying being spanked.
I do think the short story format isn't quite as fulfilling for me to do the whole 'meet, fall in love, happy ever after' thing, especially when there's a more nuanced dynamic like this one. It's a bit too compact to meaningfully show Kenneth's change in attitude, or the way his relationship develops with Walter. At least with An Uncommon Gentleman the established nature of that relationship could fill the gaps left by focusing on the other aspects of their circumstances.
I do think the short story format isn't quite as fulfilling for me to do the whole 'meet, fall in love, happy ever after' thing, especially when there's a more nuanced dynamic like this one. It's a bit too compact to meaningfully show Kenneth's change in attitude, or the way his relationship develops with Walter. At least with An Uncommon Gentleman the established nature of that relationship could fill the gaps left by focusing on the other aspects of their circumstances.
April 7, 2025
Regency featuring MM, a class difference and discipline
This was a hot, quick read featuring a misbehaving young Lord Kenneth, an heir with no direction and indulging in scandalous (and illegal for the time) behaviour, and Walter, the Valet that Kenneth's Father has hired to "correct" Kenneth by using whatever means necessary. Walter quickly takes control and Kenneth discovers he likes it....
I enjoy Gabbi Grey's books, and A Sensible Gentleman was different, but just as enjoyable as the other stories I have read, I look forward to reading the next book, whatever it might be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a hot, quick read featuring a misbehaving young Lord Kenneth, an heir with no direction and indulging in scandalous (and illegal for the time) behaviour, and Walter, the Valet that Kenneth's Father has hired to "correct" Kenneth by using whatever means necessary. Walter quickly takes control and Kenneth discovers he likes it....
I enjoy Gabbi Grey's books, and A Sensible Gentleman was different, but just as enjoyable as the other stories I have read, I look forward to reading the next book, whatever it might be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2025
Kenneth is the oldest son and as such there are many expectations demanded of him.
He's very much a spoiled brat, very accustomed to getting his own way.
Walter has been hired by his father to essentially keep an eye on him and make sure he stays out of trouble.
What actually happens is that Victor will have none of Kenneth's shenanigans and quite effectively puts him in his place by treating him as he treats others.
They very quickly discover that Kenneth quite likes being told what to do and Victor quote rather enjoys being in charge.
He's very much a spoiled brat, very accustomed to getting his own way.
Walter has been hired by his father to essentially keep an eye on him and make sure he stays out of trouble.
What actually happens is that Victor will have none of Kenneth's shenanigans and quite effectively puts him in his place by treating him as he treats others.
They very quickly discover that Kenneth quite likes being told what to do and Victor quote rather enjoys being in charge.
May 1, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Short and satisfying!
This is a quick instalove story and I loved listening to it. Michael Ferraiuolo did another fine job performing this and his original music added a very nice touch to the beginning and ending of the audiobook. Gabbi Grey has quickly become one of my favorite authors!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Short and satisfying!
This is a quick instalove story and I loved listening to it. Michael Ferraiuolo did another fine job performing this and his original music added a very nice touch to the beginning and ending of the audiobook. Gabbi Grey has quickly become one of my favorite authors!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
June 15, 2026
When Kenneth's behaviour got unbearable, his father had no choice but to hire Walter to bring the unruly heir to heel, but what Walter had planned was not what anyone expected.
What is done in the bedroom stays in the bedroom and Walter knows exactly what he needs to do to get Kenneth to behave and good deeds deserve a reward.
I loved listening to Michael Ferraiuolo narrate this story, felt just like you were listening to the English Upper class. It was easy to recognise both Walter and Kenneth
What is done in the bedroom stays in the bedroom and Walter knows exactly what he needs to do to get Kenneth to behave and good deeds deserve a reward.
I loved listening to Michael Ferraiuolo narrate this story, felt just like you were listening to the English Upper class. It was easy to recognise both Walter and Kenneth
April 5, 2025
Walter and Kenneth’s story is one of love, lust and a little bit naughty.
It’s also a story of going after what you want in life and opening your own doors instead of allowing others to close your doors for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s also a story of going after what you want in life and opening your own doors instead of allowing others to close your doors for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2025
A Firm Hand
Kenneth is heir to an estate and wealthy, hence he wants for nothing and acts as he pleases. His father despairs of his behaviour, so he hires Walter as Kenneth’s valet, to provide guidance and take him in hand. This short story felt true to the period in language and mannerisms - regency isn’t usually my cup of tea, but I quite enjoyed this one. A quick, spicy read.
April 15, 2025
I loved this short, spicy Regency gem! Gabbi Grey always nails the heat in her short reads, and this one is no exception. Kenneth is a brat you love to see get humbled, and Walter? Total swoon. Their dynamic is fiery, fun, and seriously steamy. A perfect quick escape with all the right vibes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2025
This MM Regency short read is sweet and steamy… I enjoy a story about a brat being ‘tamed’ by methods both hard and soft, and valet Walter lets Kenneth know from the beginning that his purpose is to make him behave. Kenneth’s proclivities are a perfect match for Walter, who must walk a fine line between discipline and desire. If you enjoy Regency romance, don’t miss this one.
January 3, 2026
Kenneth is a spoiled, wealthy man who is rude and uncaring with those around him. As the heir to his father's estate, his father needs him to exhibit more responsibility. Kenneth's father hires Walter to mete out punishment to Kenneth, as needed, including corporal punishment. This story is passionate, kinky, and wraps up in a nice HEA.
March 27, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Walter's interpretations of his duties and how he got Kenneth to behave. However there is a side affect in that Kenneth and Walter fall in love.
April 1, 2025
Kenneth and Walter share a forbidden love. As a valet, Walter has to be with Kenneth every night which makes it easier for their love to flourish. Over time they find their true HEA!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5.
No me esperaba las nalgadas jajajaa.
No me esperaba las nalgadas jajajaa.
February 25, 2026
A short and steamy romance that should be titled "Rewards and Punishments." LOL
May 4, 2026
A sensible gentleman by gabbi grey. This was ok but I feel like the author was trying to hard. Like don't get me wrong the steam was steaming but storyline was lacking in my opinion
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews