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A Wounded Gentleman
Henry
I’ve returned home from the war in France one-armed and defeated. While I was fighting at Waterloo, my father, brother, and sister-in-law all died, leaving me alone to raise my baby niece. I'm a broken man, and this new battle feels impossible to win. Only the assistance of my valet Percy, who refuses to leave my employ, offers me any hope.
Percy
My feelings for Henry are even more intense now than when we kissed all those years ago. Since those carefree days, I've put aside my feelings for him, and I’m now acting as his missing right arm. I take care of his needs, and his niece’s, while suppressing my own. As our intimacy grows, I can’t help but wonder if he might return my affections after all. But our respective ranks and the dangers for men of our kind form an impenetrable wall between us.
A Wounded Gentleman is a 17k Regency gay romance novella set in Jane Austen’s Persuasion world about a valet in love with the lord who is seeking redemption after being a rake.
I’ve returned home from the war in France one-armed and defeated. While I was fighting at Waterloo, my father, brother, and sister-in-law all died, leaving me alone to raise my baby niece. I'm a broken man, and this new battle feels impossible to win. Only the assistance of my valet Percy, who refuses to leave my employ, offers me any hope.
Percy
My feelings for Henry are even more intense now than when we kissed all those years ago. Since those carefree days, I've put aside my feelings for him, and I’m now acting as his missing right arm. I take care of his needs, and his niece’s, while suppressing my own. As our intimacy grows, I can’t help but wonder if he might return my affections after all. But our respective ranks and the dangers for men of our kind form an impenetrable wall between us.
A Wounded Gentleman is a 17k Regency gay romance novella set in Jane Austen’s Persuasion world about a valet in love with the lord who is seeking redemption after being a rake.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Gabbi Grey
85 books267 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2026
This was so good and beautiful.
Percy had been in love with Henry for years and years and he just wanted Henry's happiness. He didn't see a broken man, but the person he adored.
Henry thought of himself as broken but he wasn't. He just needed the love of a good person to see the fantastic person he was.
I just wish the book was longer, it was so perfect
Percy had been in love with Henry for years and years and he just wanted Henry's happiness. He didn't see a broken man, but the person he adored.
Henry thought of himself as broken but he wasn't. He just needed the love of a good person to see the fantastic person he was.
I just wish the book was longer, it was so perfect
January 3, 2026
A touching historical set tale as the only surviving son returns from war with intense injuries and find his childhood friend to be his valet. A lovely read.
January 10, 2026
4.5 Stars
Sweet, Gay Regency Romance
This story begins with Henry finally returning home from Waterloo. Henry had been in the infantry for most of the Napoleonic War and was gravely injured in the Battle of Waterloo. He lost an arm and had one of his legs injured so I guess it’s fair to say that he’s a little bit grumpy. Also, before his return, his father, his older brother William and sister-in-law Caroline all passed away within months of each other. William and Caroline deaths left him to raise their baby Isabelle, and she is the only family he has left. And since we are referring to the year 1815, he obviously didn’t come home right away.
Percy Dankworth was a childhood friend of Henry’s even if he was the son of a servant. Because of his familiarity with Henry, and the fact that he’s tall and strong, it was decided that he would be Henry’s valet. Percy has always been in love with Henry so he’s willing to be there for him. Everyone in the household loves baby Isabelle, so at least even if Henry has a bad day she won’t be on her own.
I have read quite a few books by Ms. Grey. I very much enjoy her writing, but this is the first time I’ve read her Regency books. This is an excellent book. It’s a quick read and I really like all the characters and the story. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that I know enough about history now (as opposed to when I read Regencies when I was a teenager) to know that Homosexuality was partially decriminalized in England in 1967, legalizing took decades longer, with significant steps in 2000 and 2001. Because I know this, it was too difficult for me to suspend my disbelief completely that they would live happily ever after in that time period. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Sweet, Gay Regency Romance
This story begins with Henry finally returning home from Waterloo. Henry had been in the infantry for most of the Napoleonic War and was gravely injured in the Battle of Waterloo. He lost an arm and had one of his legs injured so I guess it’s fair to say that he’s a little bit grumpy. Also, before his return, his father, his older brother William and sister-in-law Caroline all passed away within months of each other. William and Caroline deaths left him to raise their baby Isabelle, and she is the only family he has left. And since we are referring to the year 1815, he obviously didn’t come home right away.
Percy Dankworth was a childhood friend of Henry’s even if he was the son of a servant. Because of his familiarity with Henry, and the fact that he’s tall and strong, it was decided that he would be Henry’s valet. Percy has always been in love with Henry so he’s willing to be there for him. Everyone in the household loves baby Isabelle, so at least even if Henry has a bad day she won’t be on her own.
I have read quite a few books by Ms. Grey. I very much enjoy her writing, but this is the first time I’ve read her Regency books. This is an excellent book. It’s a quick read and I really like all the characters and the story. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that I know enough about history now (as opposed to when I read Regencies when I was a teenager) to know that Homosexuality was partially decriminalized in England in 1967, legalizing took decades longer, with significant steps in 2000 and 2001. Because I know this, it was too difficult for me to suspend my disbelief completely that they would live happily ever after in that time period. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 19, 2026
4.5 stars
I love anything Gabbi Grey, and this was my first historical period romance. True to form, loved this one, too. Henry and Percy were quite vivid in my mind, a relationship built on long friendship and unrequited love on Percy’s part until he became Henry’s valet on his return to the manor. Reeling from the loss of his arm and the injury to his leg, Henry needs help in all parts of his life, and Percy is there, ready, willing and able to attend to ANY need Henry could possibly have. With his niece Isabella and a few single, like-minded friends, Henry is able to settle down to the peaceful life of a country gentleman with his lover Percy by his side, living life on his own terms, the one he has earned and deserves.
Gabbi’s characters are always beautifully drawn, complicated and complex men it is easy to like and root for as they go through everyday, and sometimes unexpected, events to find their forever person and their HEA. Her settings enrich the narrative with added context, helping the reader get drawn into, then involved in the story. Her writing draws me in from page one and keeps me engaged to the end, immersing me into the lives of these men, and leaving me with a feeling of satisfaction for a story well told. I recommend any of her books for a satisfying read every time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love anything Gabbi Grey, and this was my first historical period romance. True to form, loved this one, too. Henry and Percy were quite vivid in my mind, a relationship built on long friendship and unrequited love on Percy’s part until he became Henry’s valet on his return to the manor. Reeling from the loss of his arm and the injury to his leg, Henry needs help in all parts of his life, and Percy is there, ready, willing and able to attend to ANY need Henry could possibly have. With his niece Isabella and a few single, like-minded friends, Henry is able to settle down to the peaceful life of a country gentleman with his lover Percy by his side, living life on his own terms, the one he has earned and deserves.
Gabbi’s characters are always beautifully drawn, complicated and complex men it is easy to like and root for as they go through everyday, and sometimes unexpected, events to find their forever person and their HEA. Her settings enrich the narrative with added context, helping the reader get drawn into, then involved in the story. Her writing draws me in from page one and keeps me engaged to the end, immersing me into the lives of these men, and leaving me with a feeling of satisfaction for a story well told. I recommend any of her books for a satisfying read every time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 彡★
I love Gabbi Grey’s books and I loved reading A Wounded Gentleman (available in KU). The book is connected to her other two Regency stories (An Uncommon Gentleman and A Sensible Gentleman) but can easily be read as a standalone story.
This is a great story about a wounded soldier (Henry) who unexpectedly becomes a Lord when his father and brother died while he was fighting the war. Henry was friends with Percy when they were both children. Now Percy is his valet and their status in life is even more uneven than it was when they were young. Percy is determined to serve Henry and make life as comfortable for him as he can. Henry has lost his dominant arm and needs help with the every day things that most people take for granted. Percy does an excellent job providing help in all the ways that Henry needs. 😉
A Wounded Gentleman is a very sweet story with mild heat. It’s a short novella and was a perfect story to read in an evening.
I love Gabbi Grey’s books and I loved reading A Wounded Gentleman (available in KU). The book is connected to her other two Regency stories (An Uncommon Gentleman and A Sensible Gentleman) but can easily be read as a standalone story.
This is a great story about a wounded soldier (Henry) who unexpectedly becomes a Lord when his father and brother died while he was fighting the war. Henry was friends with Percy when they were both children. Now Percy is his valet and their status in life is even more uneven than it was when they were young. Percy is determined to serve Henry and make life as comfortable for him as he can. Henry has lost his dominant arm and needs help with the every day things that most people take for granted. Percy does an excellent job providing help in all the ways that Henry needs. 😉
A Wounded Gentleman is a very sweet story with mild heat. It’s a short novella and was a perfect story to read in an evening.
January 17, 2026
Spare to Heir
Henry Hastings returns from war seriously injured – one arm has been amputated, and one leg damaged. In his absence both his father and brother have died. With the death of his brother’s wife, his niece Isabelle is left an orphan. Henry was “the spare,” now he’s the heir – Henry Hastings, Lord Hartridge – master of an estate. Henry, like his near neighbor Lord John Blackmore, is biracial – product of a White father and Black mother. In Regency era Britain, this is scandalous in and of itself.
In this hurt/comfort historical romance set in the universe of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion,” Henry’s valet, Percy Dankworth, helps Henry heal and adjust to his new status – and to a relationship with his valet. I particularly enjoyed their interactions with Isabelle and her governess. While it’s third in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. (You’ll want to go read the other two, though!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Henry Hastings returns from war seriously injured – one arm has been amputated, and one leg damaged. In his absence both his father and brother have died. With the death of his brother’s wife, his niece Isabelle is left an orphan. Henry was “the spare,” now he’s the heir – Henry Hastings, Lord Hartridge – master of an estate. Henry, like his near neighbor Lord John Blackmore, is biracial – product of a White father and Black mother. In Regency era Britain, this is scandalous in and of itself.
In this hurt/comfort historical romance set in the universe of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion,” Henry’s valet, Percy Dankworth, helps Henry heal and adjust to his new status – and to a relationship with his valet. I particularly enjoyed their interactions with Isabelle and her governess. While it’s third in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. (You’ll want to go read the other two, though!).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2026
“I love you.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you more. ...”
A Wounded Gentleman was good novella with the potential to be great novel. All the key ingredients are present — valet x lord, childhood friends-to-lovers, a wounded lord in need of a convalescents, and bodice-ripper adjacent elements.
Where I think the novella stumbles, at least for me, is the romance. Personally, I could not shake the feeling that Percy (valet) loved Henry (lord) way more… This became apparent during the scene when Percy is all like:
Yo Henry, do you remember that almost kiss we had in the stables? Yeah, that was the moment I felling in love with- oh… you don't remember? And you immediately ran off to propose to your kinda girlfriend? Cool, cool, cool…
Idk, something about the execution of their romance felt a little shaky the moment I thought too hard about it. Overall, though, I still really enjoyed their little romance. Percy and Henry really compliment each other and I enjoyed their dynamic a lot. Fun times!!
January 19, 2026
Amazing story of coping with all life throws at you! Henry, is living a challenging life being a black man in 1800s UK. He is up to it and lives his best life. He serves in the war, is wounded and returns a hero. He lost his dominant right arm, has a debilitating wound to his leg leaving him with a limp, he lost his Father, older brother, sister in law within months of each other. He inherits the estate, the title and his 2 month niece Isabella. Now life is challenging. His new Valet, is his old friend, Percy who has loved him since they were teenagers. Gabbi, gives us an amazing story with Henry re-entering life with physical challenges, raising a baby, embracing his estate responsibilities and socializing with the neighbors and society all while redefining his relationship with Percy. Henry and Percy are amazing, supporting characters are great and funny. Your sad tears turn to happy tears. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2026
I took a chance on this as i really dont like Regency reads but as by one of my fav authors i thought i would give it a go! So glad i did, such a quietly emotional and very tender read. Gabbi handles Henry’s return from war with great sensitivity, showing his grief and self-doubt without ever making him feel defined by loss. Percy was a wonderful counterpoint to that – steady, loyal and deeply caring, even when it costs him to put his own feelings aside.
I loved how their shared history and unspoken affection slowly came back to the surface. The class divide and the social risks added real tension, and the Regency setting suited the story beautifully. It’s a short novella, but it packs in a surprising amount of heart, and I was genuinely sad to reach the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved how their shared history and unspoken affection slowly came back to the surface. The class divide and the social risks added real tension, and the Regency setting suited the story beautifully. It’s a short novella, but it packs in a surprising amount of heart, and I was genuinely sad to reach the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this short, sweet and tender historical romance with some absolutely lovely spice. Henry, an aristocrat, has come home from the war in France with an amputated arm. He doesn't know what the future has in store, but his father, brother and sister-in-law have all died, leaving him with a sweet baby niece to raise. Percy, Henry's valet - a promotion for him - has loved Henry for many years, since they kissed. He doesn't see Henry's wounds, and attends to him as he must. But the world is not kind to men with their desires, so neither knows what will happen. But of course there is a sweet ending.
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.
Review of advance copy
Henry's return home is steeped in grief and depression. He's lost his father, brother, and sister-in-law, as well as his hand and health. Percy is there to meet Henry's every need. I liked how perceptive Percy is. Percy helps Henry realize that he can choose his own life's path. He no longer has to cave to others' expectations and rules. I enjoyed the way Henry and Percy built a family and their own circle of friends in the end.
I would highly recommend anything by Gabbi Grey, including the two other stories that take place in this same universe: A Sensible Gentleman and An Uncommon Gentleman
I would highly recommend anything by Gabbi Grey, including the two other stories that take place in this same universe: A Sensible Gentleman and An Uncommon Gentleman
January 21, 2026
Henry fled Englad to become an officer.
He left after being declined his offer of marriage.
She chose his brother instead, they had a child.
Along with his father, they also died very quickly and left the child orphaned.
He's come home, injured and believing he's damaged goods.
Percy is now his valet, but has harbored feelings for Henry since their adolescence.
Now he has the opportunity to become closer to him.
I loved that Percy didn't let Henry become stuck in his grief and anger.
He helped him realize that he could literally make his life his own.
The found family aspect with the other Lords and their valets was absolutely wonderful.
He left after being declined his offer of marriage.
She chose his brother instead, they had a child.
Along with his father, they also died very quickly and left the child orphaned.
He's come home, injured and believing he's damaged goods.
Percy is now his valet, but has harbored feelings for Henry since their adolescence.
Now he has the opportunity to become closer to him.
I loved that Percy didn't let Henry become stuck in his grief and anger.
He helped him realize that he could literally make his life his own.
The found family aspect with the other Lords and their valets was absolutely wonderful.
January 3, 2026
I was unsure what this was going to be like, and I found it more enjoyable than I thought I would for such a short novella. I enjoyed the fact that on of the MCs was black, and how well it was treated by a large majority of the other characters, regardless of the time and the situation. It was complete unbelievably in a lot of ways, but enjoyable nonetheless. Short and sweet, with love in many forms. 3.5 stars.
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 19, 2026
To start, I thoroughly enjoyed this, even without having read the other two connected novellas. I don't feel like I missed anything, and I definitely want to go back and read them! I adored the romance in this story, and even in the short word count, I definitely felt the connection and chemistry. I liked how Henry's history wasn't laid out from the beginning but in bits and pieces throughout.
The one thing that didn't resonate with me was that it did read a little choppy with the short sentences.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The one thing that didn't resonate with me was that it did read a little choppy with the short sentences.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2026
'A Wounded Gentleman is a Regency gay romance novella set in Jane Austen’s Persuasion world about a valet in love with the lord who is seeking redemption after being a rake.'
The characters carried the story and they were so very appealing and likeable and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. The plot was intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters carried the story and they were so very appealing and likeable and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. The plot was intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
I love a good MM romance, and this one absolutely delivered. The setting and time period made the story even better, and I flew through the book in no time. I honestly wished it was longer but that’s just me being greedy. Percy and Henry’s love story had me kicking my feet and smiling like a little kid. Such a sweet read!.
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 12, 2026
This was a quick enjoyable historical romance. If you enjoy Gabbi Grey’s books then you will definitely love this one.
While this book mainly focuses on Henry’s struggles with returning from war broken and grief stricken, the second change Percy has been given at romance is delightful to watch.
Thank you Booksprout and Gabbi Grey for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
3.5 ⭐️
While this book mainly focuses on Henry’s struggles with returning from war broken and grief stricken, the second change Percy has been given at romance is delightful to watch.
Thank you Booksprout and Gabbi Grey for the advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
3.5 ⭐️
February 9, 2026
This is a beautiful, emotional well-written, and very quick read from Gabbi Grey. Honestly, I wish it was much longer, but you get the story and the emotional connection and hope for the future and it's still satisfying despite the limited page count. If you love historical reads, MM, wounded characters and quick reads, this one is top notch.
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 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5.
Muy bonito romance de epoca. Yo no soy mucho leer romance historico asique esta historia me hizo acordarme el encanto que pueden tener. Ya me compre y pienso leer las otras historias que transcurren en este mundo ♥️.
Recibí una copia gratuita de este libro a través de Booksprout y estoy dejando una reseña de forma voluntaria.
Muy bonito romance de epoca. Yo no soy mucho leer romance historico asique esta historia me hizo acordarme el encanto que pueden tener. Ya me compre y pienso leer las otras historias que transcurren en este mundo ♥️.
Recibí una copia gratuita de este libro a través de Booksprout y estoy dejando una reseña de forma voluntaria.
January 15, 2026
Short and sweet, but I would have appreciated a little angst from Percy considering their history.
The fact that the titled gentleman was Black was a nice touch, and one that I wasn't expecting, since this is my first Gabbi Grey book. Now that I know there are two other titled gentlemen who are Black in this interconnected series, I'm off to read their books.
The fact that the titled gentleman was Black was a nice touch, and one that I wasn't expecting, since this is my first Gabbi Grey book. Now that I know there are two other titled gentlemen who are Black in this interconnected series, I'm off to read their books.
January 23, 2026
Henry considers himself broken but his childhood friend and now his valet shows him different. The two embark on an illicit love affair. They find friends of like mind and form a little group of close friends who themselves are doing the same thing. Wonderful book!.
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 30, 2026
I love period stories. It’s a soft reminder that society has been horrible to those they don’t understand forever.
The characters are intriguing, the story is sad but heart warming and the time period is enchanting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are intriguing, the story is sad but heart warming and the time period is enchanting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2026
Beautiful love story. Like a romantic balm to the soul. Henry lost so much and became the guardian of his niece. Percy is his valet and caretaker. Their desires were forbidden, but didn't stop them. There were some not so gentle reminders that society can be cruel, but love endures despite the storm.
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 17, 2026
Sweet and short. I wish the story had been a bit longer which would have made it possible to get a bit more depth to the characters.
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 18, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how the friendship between Henry and Percy develops into more. It was good that they can build a life that suits them.
January 2, 2026
This is a very enjoyable novella about two men finding love despite tragedies, class difference, and societal norms. Their love is truly beautiful!
January 22, 2026
I enjoyed this story very much. I loved Percy very much, he was delightful, and I also liked the addition of John, Phillip, and the others later on. It was an excellent little book.
January 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast, which I appreciated since I've been snatching moments to read between a million other things. It was also simply enjoyable (and nicely spicy.) 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews