(Version with collapsible spoilers available on my blog)

A Gentleman’s Gentleman (or The Earl Meets His Match as it’s titled in the UK) is one of those books that, from chapter one, I knew would be a 5 star read. This achingly slow burn romance is the cure I needed as news in the UK was enveloped by the announcement of the new Supreme Court ruling. For people looking for a remedy for heartache in a damn good book, you’re in the right place: TJ Alexander has the panacea you’ve been searching for.

First off, our main character Lord Christopher Eden, is a triumph. Witty, well-dressed, and wanting of a wife (well…needing, not so much wanting) Christopher is not so unlike the other men his age. Except that he isn’t the first Lord Christopher Eden of his generation; after his family died, Christopher shed his petticoats and took up the role of the man of the house. In short, he’s trans. Because of this, he has kept the world at arms length, never taking on a valet and operating his household on a skeleton staff. But if he’s to be seen in society as a completely unremarkable gentleman at the London Season, he’ll need to make allowances.

An allowance in the shape of James Harding, the most aggravatingly handsome valet around.

Ah yes, one more thing about the elusive Lord Eden: he’d absolutely love James Harding’s tongue down his throat.

This is my perfect kind of story – the stakes are high, but not desperately so. Christopher is in need of a wife before his 25th birthday in a few months if he’s to keep his inheritance, but there’s no looming death on the horizon. Surrounded by his loyal staff – and treacherously good-looking Harding – you spend the book urging Christopher to take the leap of faith and trust someone with his secrets. But it’s also easy to see why he shies away from it.

Luckily, he has master tailor Etienne in London as his confidant – at least in the matter of his “unusual make”. One of the things I loved about this book was their friendship, particularly when they discuss how Christopher worries he will be seen as less masculine if he reveals that he is gay as well as trans. Etienne, bless his soul, is an absolute gem of a character and I would listen to him tell me about fabrics all day – though the narrator’s French accent was questionable at best.

But if Christopher is to succeed in his plans, he’ll need to be honest with more than just Etienne. He’ll need to be honest with Harding.

Overall, this book just gave me so much hope at a time when I really needed it. As I said, it’s painfully slow burn, but the payoff is magnificent and so worth hanging on for. I’d adore a sequel to this, and have word from the author themself that one could definitely be a reality if there’s enough interest from the publishing house (Harper Collins UK I am on my knees begging you).

“Christopher had lived. He lived still. The very fact that he breathed was a miracle. He had not survived merely to suffer; he was certain of that now. For the first time in his life, he was certain.”

As I said on Bluesky, I’m not saying this book is a cure-all for the damage being done to trans people all over the world right now. I’m not saying it will make it stop hurting, but it gave me time and space and trans joy when I desperately needed it. This book is a beautiful story of life after survival, of authenticity and refusing to give up the person you have worked so hard to become. For all the other trans and non-binary people out there who need to hear it, in Harding’s words, “the fact of your existence is a miracle”. Don’t you dare forget that.

I was so excited to be approved for the audiobook review copy and I think Harrison Knights did a great job with the voices and story. The story itself is very sweet and easy reading/listening, but I don't think it'll stay with me.

It goes without saying that the representation will mean a lot to many people and I think it was handled really well. I don't know how believable it is given this is a period regency story, but I could empathise with Christopher’s struggles and think that this book will be important to a lot of readers.

I found the plot fell flat for me about midway through - I didn't feel much chemistry between the MC and love interest and the other drama felt disconnected and like filler. The relationships between characters weren't established enough for me to care much about what happened to them.

Overall, it's a very cute M/M trans romance, but not one that I think I'll remember.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio review copy.

Absolutely adored this. I loved the characters and their development, their banter was brilliantly done, the rep was handled fantastically and the plot was great with a touching ending.

The narrator was the perfect match for this too. I've been recommending this to everyone who will listen! Going to now read the author's backlist!

It was an enjoyable book to listen to. It was nice to listen to a book that’s different to what I would normally read. Would recommend this book to the booktok community who are also big bridgerton fans

Thank you to the author publisher and netgalley for this book

This was an absolute delight to listen to, I found it refreshing and a change to the usual period samesex dramas.

Christopher is careful to ensure nobody knows his secret. He lives at Eden Abbey, with limited staff and never ventures far, but now he has to find a wife to fulfil his father's will....

To help prepare for Christopher's trip to London, he's forced to hire a valet, and that's when James Harding comes into his life and the adventures begin.

A really enjoyable update to the period novel that takes issues that we knew existed in Regency England but are never usually addressed or mentioned.

You'll find no real surprises around Christopher and his life, but you will find a well written and delightful read (listen)

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK audio for the advance copy.

This is a cute regency romance story that had likeable characters and a funny main character.
Although it’s set in the regency era we’re not left with a lot of exposition and filler. The introduction of the characters who play a part in the story are introduced quickly.

I enjoyed the narrator and found they portrayed everyone well.

If you don’t want a book that’s just ‘spice’ and is a romance then I would suggest this story.

New favorite book alert!! 🚨

This was utterly delightful, funny and so, so tender. My goodness. The initial meeting between Christopher and his tailor, Etienne, had me grinning and feeling all lovey-dovey because of how gentle they were with each other (platonically, just to be clear, which made it all the more wonderful, imo). And then, of course, there's Harding. *swoons* I can't praise Harrison Knights enough; he did such an incredible job with the narration and struck the right balance between gravity and humor in delivering Christopher and Harding's exchanges. Impeccable comedic timing. *chef's kiss*
It's the first book by T.J. Alexander that I've read but it definitely won't be the last. That said, I've already gone back and re-listened to it because it's just SO GOOD, y'all. It's a warm hug, it's beautiful, nuanced, captivating.
CHRISTOPHER EDEN, the man that you are. I was rooting for these wonderful men the whole way through. Everyone go read--or better yet, listen--to this incredible story!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book from this author so you can imagine I had zero expectations when It comes to the plot, the prose or the pacing of the story. Now that I’ve gone on this journey tho I can altogether say that this was more amusing than I expected it to be.

There was this dry humor underneath it all that taking the full picture of the story should probably not work but it did. I was pleasantly suprised by how involved I felt with the characters and their different dynamics. How no matter who was on page, I was completely taken— wanting to know more about each character that was mentioned to make up this particular story.

The romance is a beautiful slow burn, full of tension, fondness and begrudging adoration with both characters communicating well enough despite having a lingering air of the unknown that and forbidden around them.

The plot had an edge of mystery that you would think should come off as predictable, but it didn’t. It is a beautiful tale of romance, freedom, loneliness despite having so many people around you (one of which I personally can relate too) it’s a story of hiding, quiet sorrow, mourning in different forms.
It’s a story of Trans joy, of how optimism has a way of freeing the mind from loneliness.

I listened to the audiobook provided to me by HapperCollins audio on NetGalley. The audiobook gave the right cozy vibes to accommodate the regency era. The voice of the narrators doing well to embody the high society that is the make up of an Earl properly. The pacing was altogether beautiful. Keeping me engaged and involved while I carried out a myriad of activities alongside listening.

I do wish we got more of an epilogue— I would’ve loved to see more romance in freedom from the characters or at least get more insight into Harding’s background but I’m also confident that’s just a me thing because the absence of more does not take away from the beauty of the prose already on page.

Thank you HapperCollins audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

One of the trickiest – and most fun – parts of any regency romance is seeing how the different tropes are used and subverted. Some of the twists in this book were a good laugh, and fun to read; others felt truly gratifying and earned the pay-off at the end.

That being said, this book does fall slightly into the trap of being too trope-tastic. We went on such a wild journey between the various hi-jinks of the characters that there weren’t quite enough moments to slow down and really connect with the emotional side of the story. The final few chapters, which did give us that more emotional story, were extremely enjoyable and satisfying – I just wish there’d been more of them!

As for the romance itself, I loved seeing their feelings for each other strengthen and develop. The whole book is from Christopher’s perspective, which means we get to throw our heads in our hands when he’s being absolutely clueless! It also meant that we got to know James through Christopher’s eyes, and we got that glorious moment where we can see very clearly something that Christopher is completely oblivious to.

This is a great addition to any queer regency romance shelf, and a timely reminder that trans people have always existed!

I received a free copy for an honest review.

I liked the story of how Lord Christopher Eden is not only forced out into society to find a wife. In order to secure a wife Christopher needs a valet. But as much as Mister James Harding might be helping Christopher, he's also a huge distraction.

As strange as it may sound, I enjoyed having Christopher's POV only. This way I found out about James' thoughts and feelings alongside Christopher and that made the slow burn romance much sweeter.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, in which the 25 year-old Christopher is forced to go against his “eccentric” whims and hire a valet so that he can join the London season to find a wife and secure his inheritance. The regency setting and Christopher’s personality (old soul in a young, posh person’s body, with a bit of snark thrown in for good measure!) were really working for me, as was the banter between himself and his new, stoic yet dashing valet, James.

The second half didn’t quite live up to its potential, for me personally. After quite a slow build up (that was more focused on the budding relationship and tension, rather than plot), some of the events that happened about two thirds of the way through, when Christopher was in London, felt like they happened very quickly and so felt a little jarring (and like they were added merely as a plot device rather than eking out the comedy/emotion that the situation lent itself to). Christopher is also pretty self involved, which I understand bearing in mind what he’s hiding from everyone, but I wish that as the book progressed he’d been a bit more observant of James, so that their relationship felt more than surface level.

So, overall, a cute and easy read but not one that will stick with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of this book.

Such a delight, I loved TJ Alexander's writing.
This story made my laugh, swoon, and so emotional. The characters are adorable and deliciously witty.

This took me a little while to get into, but by the time I got to the end, I was kind of enjoying it. The Earl Meets His Match is full of endearing characters. The plot however needs a little work. I feel like, there were a few things that could have been explored more, in the time spent in London. The departure back to Eden felt very rushed. The pace was overall a bit off. The first 40%, where nothing really happens, drags on for too long, while, as mentioned, the London time was too short.
I feel like the subjectmatter was handled quite well, however, the "solution" to the marriage problem was rather a bit too simplified, but this is a romance first and foremost, so I'll foregive that.

The romance itself didn't really hit for me, since the connection between the MCs was more of a tell than a show. The way it is, it comes off very insta-lovey and as such very unbelievable, considering the stakes they are facing with their eventual decision.

I also really do not like miscommunication in any form and there is - even if briefly - some of that in here. In this case it was also only for the sake of adding a few pages of angst and didn't really add anything to the story.

Overall, it was a decent read, but not one I will be coming back to.



Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

the earl meets his match is a queer regency romance that follows Lord Christopher Eden, who has to find a wife by the end of the season of lose his fortune. he's not one to participate in the seasons as he's content to live in his solitude with his staff members. he doesn't want a wife, but he needs to find one so he hires a new valet, as suggested by his solicitors. the new valet, James Harding, is to ensure Christopher's reputation is flawless, but they're quite opposites and don't seem like they'd get along at first glance.

this book was so cute and fun to read. the writing was absolutely perfect and the jokes landed well every time. the character's personalities really shined and i just love Christopher. he's quite grumpy as he doesn't want to participate in the season but he is still kind and tries to tell jokes here and there. while Harding compliments his personality perfectly, and their dynamic is so great to read about!!
i love a good regency romance and this one definitely did not disappoint!

the narrator did a wonderful job with this and really brought the characters to life, like i could actually feel christopher's grumpiness and i was so here for it.
thank you so much to harpercollins and netgalley for the audiobook!

This was an enjoyable sweet and funny rom com period drama. Was written with some nice little twists and turns. I had the audio book version which was easy to listen to and well narrated.

A t4t queer period drama about a young, introverted earl who likes to stay in his crumbling manor with his two remaining servants, going horseback hiding and reading. He is, however, forced to add a valet to his staff before going to London to look for a wife to fulfill the terms of his father's will.
When the valet arrives, the early is taken in and intruiged by his good looks, yet neither accustomed nor very eager to actually be waited on and dressed.
The story was nicely written, had a bit of drama, coach chases and secrets.
Overall a nice book and a very good narrator with a pleasant voice and of course the currently quite necessary reminder that people of all kinds have always existed.
4.5 stars

This is a sweet and funny period rom-com with entertaining side characters and hijinks. This book deals with a lot of heavy themes focused on the trans Earl main character and the budding romance with his valet whilst also dealing with identity, loss, grief, shame, self-love and finding one's place in the world. Even when approaching more sensitive of emotionally charged topics though, the tone was overall still light.

I had a fun time listening to this book but by my personal taste, I found the romance to be too much of a slow burn, with the main characters lacking the kind of chemistry that makes slow burn exciting versus tedious. Where the romance lacked though, the journey of self-discovery and self-love the central Earl character went on was sweet and heart-warming.

The author also did a great job of describing the scenes and characters in a way that was very atmospheric. The audiobook was good but I personally prefer a more "acted-out" narration style that adapts to the scenes and characters with more diversity to feel more immersed in the story and its emotions.

The Earl Meets His Match was so much fun! A great narrator and just overall a fun romp. Recommended, especially for fans of Casey McQuiston and Bridgerton

“I thought I was the only one. (...) I thought it was just me, alone in the world.”

The Earl Meets His Match was as much an historical romance as it was a feel good story. I loved the –mostly– light tone employed, and in the audiobook the narrator did a great job to enhance that. Honestly, it had been a long time since I’ve laughed so much while reading a book, and it was so good. The book truly feels like a hybrid, with a lot of delightful banter, some very funny scenes, some almost “grandiloquent” and chivalrous ones. The plot (a bit predictable but offering a great journey anyway) rests upon situations and Christopher’s problem to solve more than on a true character’s arc (even though there are some surprises and twists in the romance).
If we’re completely honest, the end feels a bit “utopical” but the feeling of belonging it gives is so enjoyable that we just want to believe, just because. Sometimes, you just need to hang on to that, because in the end, it feels right (and good). Because it’s all that matters, feeling better when you say goodbye the story <3 .

Thank you to the author and Harper Collins UK audio for the ALC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Looking for some trans joy? Then look no further! The Earl Meets His Match is a queer Regency romance between Christopher, Lord Eden, and his new valet James Harding. In need of a wife before his next birthday to keep his title and estate, the reclusive Lord Eden embarks on a London season, looking for a loveless marriage of convenience. For appearance's sake, he needs a valet, and he gets more than he gambled for with Harding.
I love queer historical romance, and TJ Alexandern, whose first foray into historical romance this is, delivers a mostly lighthearted romantic comedy with all the extravagant trappings: a visit to the tailor, society events, a hot wardrobe scene, an assisted elopement, and even a haunted old abbey. There were some tragic elements to the history of both main characters, but they were easily offset by the tone and the often funny events. The contrast in character between Christopher and stoic James worked well, and there were some nice twists to the story. This is the first audiobook narration by Harrison Knights I've listened to, and I greatly enjoyed it.