My The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by K.J. Charles is a queer Regency romance full of sharp banter, biting social commentary, and real heart. Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne arrive in London penniless but charming, intent on snagging wealthy spouses before their funds run out. Robin sets his sights on Alice, an heiress with little social status but a generous dowry. But Alice’s gruff uncle, Sir John Hartlebury (“Hart”), instantly distrusts Robin as a fortune hunter and sets out to expose him. Hart’s investigation—and Robin’s quick wit—puts them on a collision course, and when Robin loses a stupendous sum of money to Hart in a reckless bet, he offers an unusual repayment: a month in which he’ll fulfill Hart’s every desire. The arrangement sparks a slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance as Hart learns Robin’s flaws aren’t as damning as they seem, and Robin discovers Hart’s grumpy exterior hides an unexpectedly big heart. Together, they face meddling marquesses, sharp-tongued aunts, social scandal, and their own vulnerabilities—testing what it means to find love (and security) in a world obsessed with appearances and fortune.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book turns Regency romance tropes inside out. The dialogue crackles, and the chemistry is both subtle and intense. Robin and Hart are opposites: one is suave, beautiful, and a shameless schemer; the other is blunt, awkward, and quietly heroic. I was hooked by how the story refuses to cast anyone as pure villain or saint—everyone is layered, self-protective, and sometimes genuinely wrong. Their prickly confrontations made me grin; their growth and honesty cut deeper than most romance novels do. I appreciated how the book pokes at class, privilege, and the realities of marriage as financial negotiation, without losing the sense of joy and fun. There are moments of vulnerability, fear, and real longing. I was especially invested in Hart—a character who doesn’t think he deserves love or happiness slowly convinced otherwise. Robin’s mix of snark and insecurity kept me cheering for him, even when he made wildly bad decisions. This isn’t a story that resolves with a single kiss and everything fixed—it’s about building trust, arguing, and finally learning to choose each other, flaws and all. The ending landed perfectly for me: hopeful, satisfying, and true to the world and the characters. It’s romance the way I want it: smart, messy, and earned.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love Regency romance, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and lots of witty repartee, you’ll be happy here. Anyone who wants LGBTQ+ romance with real period stakes and social critique will find this refreshing. Fans of stories centered on found family, class difference, or “grumpy/sunshine” pairs will find lots to love. The book leans more toward clever banter and emotional growth than explicit steam, but the tension and payoff are genuine. Content notes: the story discusses the realities (and limits) of privilege, sexism, and social power—so expect some tough situations, but nothing deeply dark or graphic. There’s sex on the page, but it’s more about communication and connection than explicit detail.
Tagged As
historical romance, Regency, LGBTQ+ romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, opposites attract, found family, witty banter, class difference, fortune hunter, fake relationship, social commentary, emotional healing, character-driven, standalone, series, dual pov, HEA, kindle unlimited, indie romance
Steam Level
There are some intimate scenes on the page, focused on honest communication and emotional resonance—never just for shock or heat. The romance is slow-building and rewarding, suitable for readers who prefer heart and chemistry with a touch of open-door steam, not pages of explicit scenes.
