The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh

Society of Gentlemen #0.5

by K.J. Charles

Passion is on the cards for two reckless rogues as K. J. Charles ups the ante in her Society of Gentlemen series with a sizzling eBook short story.

The youngest son and the blackest sheep in his family, Lord Gabriel Ashleigh never imagined he could sink so low. Though he’s a notoriously bad gambler, he takes on the formidable but strangely alluring Francis Webster, only to lose everything: all his money, the lovely estate he inherited from his aunt, and any hope of future happiness. So it’s a shock when Webster summons him to a private game for a chance to win back his possessions. The stake? If he fails, Ash must surrender his body.

Francis has been waiting years for this moment. At Eton, Ash’s elder brother harassed him relentlessly. Now, consumed by lust and rage, Francis is only too happy to exploit Ash’s foolish indiscretions. But as Francis strips the magnificently built youth—first of his family assets, then his clothes—he begins to wonder whether he’s been plotting revenge . . . or exquisite seduction.

Praise for the Society of Gentlemen series

“The Regency period gets more rakish than ever in the Society of Gentlemen series. I’ll read anything K. J. Charles writes!”—New York Times bestselling author Kate Pearce

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Genres: Romance, Historical, M M Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Short Stories

32 pages, ebook

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

KJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.

She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.

Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter

Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.

Reviews

[Julio Genao · Rating 4 out of 5]

take my shilling.

take all my shillings.

[knocks on neighbor's door; when admitted, takes all said neighbor's shillings also; returns and flings them at k.j. charles in desperation]

all the motherfucking shillings for youuuuuuuu...

that whole gabriel-because-you're-heavenly bit was so painfully dorky my boner was like to wither away to nothing and fall right off, but thankfully i was immediately given an entirely different and much more fun reason to wince extravagantly.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy reread June 2019

Even better than the first time.

*********************************************
The best ones are always short. *Le sigh*

-Well written

- Witty dialogue

-Lovable characters

And HooooooooT!!

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOT!





AND SO FILTHY!





Thanks Moony.


I was twirling BIG TIME here.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, it's K.J. Charles writing a hot, mildly kinky, hella dirty talking sex scene. What's there not to love?

I could have used 100 pages more, but that's just me being greedy. I'll take K.J. Charles any way I can get her.

goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog

[K.J. Charles]

This is the same story as in the Another Place In Time anthology so if you already have that, you don't need this.

If you don't... This story was the first thing I wrote in the Ricardians' world as detailed in the Society of Gentlemen trilogy, where Ash and Francis (and Ash's horrible brother Lord Maltravers) are important minor characters in all three books. This story takes place about six months before A Fashionable Indulgence begins, and contains card games, unwise gambles and a certain amount of filth. OK, a lot of filth. Enjoy!

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread 10/2025
I have no excuse for yet another reread... but I wanted to reread the series so OBVIOUSLY I needed to retead Francis and Ash's book first.
Still one of my favourite guilty pleasures as far as hr short stories are concerned.
---------
reread 07/2025
Still love it.
---------
reread 04/2024
Awesome short story, loved it.
---------
read 01/2024
Strange enough my first review isn't visible anymore, I loved it, though.
5 stars.

[Moony Eliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCUSE YOU this is ridiculously hot. Enemies to lovers in a perfect 13K words for the em.effing.win.

I'm not panting, you're panting.

[Ms. Smartarse · Rating 2 out of 5]

... otherwise known as "the story of evil, wily Francis Webster finally pouncing on poor, defenceless Gabriel Ashley. But only because the kid insisted."



Francis and Ash are a well-established couple throughout all three of the main books, occasionally popping up in cutesy, lovey-dovey poses, along with a brief scene of a more explicit nature. So of course, I was curious about their beginnings. Too bad it wasn't a very exciting story, more like an excuse for an extended boning session. A rather,yummy, hot and heavy one, but still...

Score: 2.3/5 stars

I liked it, and would definitely recommend it to all who enjoyed the main books from the series.
It just doesn't add anything to the overall story, that hasn't already been mentioned in either of the main books.

================
Review of book 1: A Fashionable Indulgence
Review of book 2: A Seditious Affair
review of book 2.5: A Confidential Problem
Review of book 3: A Gentleman's Position
Review of book 3.5: A Private Miscellany

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

you know those novellas/short stories you wish had been longer?

yeah, this is one of those novellas for me. i loved ash and francis' dynamic so much. 😭

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay...that taste was enticing.
I want more!!

...moving series up on my tbr...

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is NOT a new story, and if you'd rather not wait until October I would really, really, REALLY suggest you get your hands on the anthology Another Place In Time, in which it was published in 2014.

Do you know how anthologies are often hit and miss, with only 1 or 2 stories standing out? Not the aforementioned anthology. With contributors like Aleksandr Voinov, Kaje Harper, Joanna Chambers and, of course, the one and only KJ Charles, this particular anthology is quality packed. What's more, your money will be donated to AllOut.org. Something to think about!

Anyway, my original review for The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh!

Oh my god?! Oh..my..god. So this is what my mum is talking about when she complains about hot flashes. 0_o I was feeling all funny when reading The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh. I have no idea why I bought The Magpie Lord months ago and tossed it aside after 20 pages or so, because KJ Charles mercilessly flipped on all sort of switches in my body and mind. There are several delightful -- because I'm a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope and elite/working class merges! -- parallels with the story that precedes this one, Introducing Mr. Winterbourne (referring to the anthology). But whereas that one is adorable and formulaic in the best possible way, The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh both has that intriguing cool-as-a-cucumber type of character that I find difficult to resist and heart-stutteringly intense UST. This story turned me into a wanton...no, I must refrain from getting into the details due to modesty reasons.

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot! Hotter! The hottest! 

But...

The will-you-be-my-lover-until-the-end-of-time came too fast for me and I had to hurdle some language barriers which never happened before with one of her books. So yeah, I have to admit I'm a teeny weeny bit bummed by that. :(

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: 13/02/2024

GR says I've read it 3 times, but that's a lie, I've simply been very bad at recording every reread.
I suddenly started thinking about Ash and Francis and craving another reread a couple of days ago and yesterday I decided it was pointless to resist. Only now that I went here to edit this review I realized that I almost reread it 7 years to the day of my first read. 😮 (Let this be a lesson about not putting up a fight when books decide it's time to reread them 😂)

Edit: 08/06/2019

Reread for the umpteenth time with Moony, Rosa, Shile, and Teal.
Every time is as good as the first and that's not something I can say for a lot of books.

Edit: 07/04/2018

Bumping the rating up to 5 stars and adding it to my favorites shelf.
It's been a little more than a year since I first read this and Ash and Francis have never disappointed, not one of the many times I've turned to them and their lovely short story when I went looking for a comfort reread.

Original review: 12/02/2017

4.5 stars

Ash and Francis had a very marginal role in the first two books of the main series, but I loved them and was very curious to learn how they got to be together. This short story didn’t disappoint and I hope to see more of them in the remaining book and shorts.

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written October 31, 2015

4 Stars - Fun, yummy sexy and adorable romantic

Book #0.5

Some months ago I read the M/M historical A Fashionable Indulgence by K.J. Charles and of course I enjoyed it as everything written by her pen (click and see my 3.8 stars review). This novella, The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh is the standalone prequel first published in a short-story collection. I'm so glad I at last got to the chance to read when it now was published to download as single ($.99) kindle book. ~ Thank you KJC!

*********************************************

Late 1810:s London

Young Lord Gabriel Ashleigh and Francis Webster's story. It all start with a chance for revenge ...Webster is consumed by lust and rage.

“Will we wager on it?”
“Of course.”
“This sort of wager?”
“It’s quite possible.”
Ash clicked his tongue. “Playing with you, Mr. Webster? I fear you’ll ruin me.”
“It is my aim, and would be my privilege, to ruin you for all others for a very long time to come.”

Wowsie Yay, this was absolutely the very best kind of a short M/M novella. Not a single word I eagerly didn't inhale. Just a tempting little gem for more in the future. Fun, fun, fun.

*********************************************

I LIKE - a sweet and smexy quick-read gem


*****
The Society of Gentlemen series (M/M Regency Historicals with new lovebirds in each part) — Book #2 A Seditious Affair will be published in December. — Book #3 A Gentleman's Position next spring in April.

[Papie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread September 2025
Still delicious! ❤️


Initial read: February 2021
I’ve been needing this book since I read that incredibly hot scene where Harry catches Ash and Francis in book 1. I was not disappointed.

Too short, but incredibly hot and sweet. ❤️🔥❤️

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely sexy D/s deliciousness. The tipping point in D/s stories for me is when they start to involve props and costumes and "scenes" because that stuff gets Really Really Old IRL. Simply put, if I have to be wearing mirror shades for you to obey my command not to touch yourself, you're too damned high maintenance for me.

So this story, Gabriel's eager and ecstatic submission to Francis because he chooses to, because he longs for the safety of being the emotional center of a man's life, resonates positively with me. Francis claims ownership with the simplest, most effective technique of them all: Renaming. Everyone calls him Ash, so Francis will call him Gabriel. Francis will weave this identity into all their play, into the fabric of their lives, invoking it to love, to honor, to possess and caress and own his beautiful angel.

Better than a dozen complicated knots in red silk cords, and all the leather bits'n'bobs that drama queens so love, any day in my book.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.
My second novella by the author and again, very enjoyable.
I loved to see the change in Francis, how he let his guard down.
A bit short but nevertheless awesome and delicious.

[Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled that this original short story from the Another Place in Time anthology was the genesis of the "Society of Gentlemen" series by KJ Charles. This was a fun read and the stories that follow have been remarkable!

I love Ash and Francis...and the Ricardians are the motherload when it comes to new story potential! Even MORE BOOKS from this world, please! :)

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

This was magnificent! And so filthy... I first met Gabriel and Francis in A Fashionable Indulgence and I was fascinated. I hadn't realised that this book was previously published as part of Another Place in Time anthology!

So, this shortie is basically one scene. This quote is pretty much representative of the whole story:

“What will you stake?”...[...]
“Everything.”
“And what will you have me stake?”
“Yourself.” Webster’s voice rasped, as if he had to force the word out. “You, over the table. Legs spread. Crying my name.”

I'm so hooked on this series.

[Nelly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I have waited five years for your arse. I have brought myself off more nights than I can count, imagining you splayed on my table like the wanton slut I knew you’d be. And if I touch you now I’m going to spend like a raw recruit with his first ladybird, and I am damned if I fail to give you the tupping you richly deserve.” He squeezed again, hard. “Now be silent and let me think about something else.”

What a spicy little morsel! This fifty-page novella packs a punch. It’s gorgeously written and the sexual tension leaps off the page. Beautiful and pampered Gabriel dreads his impending ruin after a reckless night of gambling with his archenemy where he loses everything. Witnessing Gabriel’s ruin unfold at the hands of Francis, who is cold and ruthless, is utterly delicious. The sex scene is raw and steamy.

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ash and Francis! I've wanted their story since reading A Fashionable Indulgence, not realizing at first that there was this short already out there.

This super short and sexy read was perfect. Of course, it left me wanting more because...

“Yourself.” Webster’s voice rasped, as if he had to force the word out. “You, over the table. Legs spread. Crying my name.”

*happy sigh* This is going on my reread pile.

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, Hot, and to the Point!!

This was a delightful decadent read!! It’s a historical version of strip poker with a very happy ending for both men involved!!

It makes me want to re-read the entire series again!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

That is how all card games should end!!

NSFW

[Trift · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it that this novella is my favorite book of this entire damn series?

Don’t get me wrong. The others are good and definitely worth reading. But this one is the best.

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Short, filthy, and utterly satisfying. In under 50 pages, K.J. Charles delivers a scorching enemies-to-lovers encounter packed with tension, power games, and emotional payoff.

Gabriel is ruined, Francis holds all the cards, and what begins as revenge quickly unravels into something far more intimate. The sex is tense, raw in the most delicious way, but there’s also aching vulnerability beneath it all.Every glance, every line is sharp and loaded.

A perfectly filthy little gem with teeth—and heart.

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is originally from the antho Another Place in Time and is sooooooooooo worth and worthy of a reread.

This time around, I shall simply give you pieces of the puzzle. My original review is below.

Ahem.

... as high in the instep...

Can't help it, love that phrase.

...kept his potations within reasonable limits...

Heh.

soubriquet

Still a winner winner chicken dinner in word-landia.

Good God. Ash could never have his valet take his boots off again.

Sigh, them's the brakes, my dear chap. And worth the price. ;)

“Ill-mannered, drunken brat,” Francis said softly. “With that glorious hair and those ridiculous eyes."

“My eyes are not ridiculous.”

“They are. Nobody else has eyes like that. Madder blue, it’s called, that gray-purple.”

And there it is. The "it" , I'll leave you to discover on your own.

Also, these two have chemistry out the wazoo.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Original review:


Ash, Ash, Ash, what’re we going to do with you? And you, Francis Webster. You sneak, lovely devil, you.

Two pages in and I was already sold, take down the sign, here’s my money.

The pacing is smart. It starts off with a bang and then a breather, a moment for us, and Ash, to contemplate the short and long of his future. I was already smiling.

Um… excuse me, I’ll be… right back, in a few minutes. *clears throat* Talk amongst yourselves…

(readthisOMGreadthisnowreadthis)

[Shin Mon Thway · Rating 4 out of 5]

My God, how much I loved the ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh! 😱😍 I need me more of that delicious ruination. Wow, genuine enemies-to-lovers trope with a healthy dose of thrill, emotions and a filthy love-making??? 😋 All wins in my book! 👍 I kinda feel like this is such a missed opportunity for K.J. Charles because I can definitely see myself mooning and fangirling over the full-length novel love story of Francis Webster and Gabriel Ashleigh. The UST between those two were sky high even in this very short novella. 🔥 And damn, Mr. Francis is one seriously seriously sexy man. Could not get enough. 🥰 I own the rest of the series in audio and they’ve been on my TBL list for a really long time. Seems like I gotta listen to them ASAP now. 😁😉


4.5 spread me, love me and own me stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Jyanx · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was simply lovely. I can see why my friends are so enamored by this series.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ill-mannered, drunken brat,” Francis said softly. “With that glorious hair and those ridiculous eyes.” “My eyes are not ridiculous.” “They are. Nobody else has eyes like that. Madder blue, it’s called, that gray-purple.” Francis knew the exact shade of his eyes. Ash felt an odd lurch in his chest.

**2/27/21 Papie inspired reread. After reading this a second time, I do actually think there’s enough to rate it. Maybe it’s because since reading this, I got to know these two more throughout the rest of the series. 🤷🏻‍♀️ This is a short, HOT, dirty talk filled treat. What else is there to say?**

I’ve been dipping my toes into historical romance lately. This was under 50 pages and I don’t think there was enough for me to rate it. However, I like this author’s writing and will try the first full length book in the series soon.

[monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 hot stars


Someone has a fan to lend me?

“Christ, you like a good ride, don’t you? Who’s been having you when it should have been me?”