A Change of Pace

by J.A. Stevens

A trailblazing historical romance that brings pride – without prejudice – to a reimagined, more inclusive Regency London. A place where segregation, bigotry, persecution and exclusion do not exist.

Strikingly beautiful, ferociously strongminded and famously rakish, London socialite Miss Georgina 'George' Pace has seduced many beautiful women in her time. Her days are not quiet: when she isn't running half-naked through the streets of London, she's attending masques and balls, or seeking pleasure – and occasionally oblivion – in decadent dens of iniquity.

But while she is cavalier in her attitude to romance, Georgina is deeply protective of her friends and family. When she learns that her dear acquaintance, the innocent and vulnerable Mr Arthur Coombes, has been swindled by a corrupt gaming house, she will stop at nothing to restore his fortune and bring his tormentors to account. Georgina's quest for justice forces her to navigate a complex world of villains and secrets, and confront long-suppressed memories of a family tragedy. It also leads her to the enigmatic, intriguing and potentially dangerous Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, who offers assistance while keeping her cards close to her chest and remaining impervious to Georgina's charms.

In attempting to save Mr Coombes, Georgina not only puts herself and those she loves in the path of danger, she also risks losing her heart. Will she keep herself safe – or surrender to her feelings?

This wickedly witty sapphic romp, filled with passion, intrigue and a fascinating cast of diverse characters, is sure to delight readers who enjoyed Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, Alexis Hall's A Lady for a Duke, and the glamorous, bisexual energy of Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Genres: Historical Romance, Queer, Historical Fiction, Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2026

Reviews

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really liked A Change of Pace by J.A. Stevens. It was a refreshing take on 1813. I loved that the world was queer normative. There was no racism, transphobia, or homophobia. Women could marry women, men could marry men, etc. The author had specific terms for those who were trans, non-binary, and having disabilities, with a big focus on those with Down Syndrome. One of the MCs, Elizabeth, is also trans. I felt like the author did a splendid job in representing both trans people and those with disabilities The world building in this sense was wonderful and I am glad that this is the first book in the world and hope there is more to come!

I’m a lesbian that honestly doesn’t like men for the most part, so I am biased when I say that it was a little annoying to have a man’s POV, albeit it wasn’t a lot of the book, but it’s not something I’m used to. There’s also two sex scenes between and man and woman and that is again, not something I enjoy. Of course, this is a personal preference, but I thought I would let other readers know.

I did find the story becoming a little stagnant towards the halfway mark. However, it quickly picked up in a way I was not expecting! A Change of Pace is a little different from most historical romances, but I can’t quite put in words on how. Anyone who loves sapphic historical romance with a bit of mystery and justice will love a Change of Pace!

[Lola]

This book shines most in its worldbuilding: a queer-normative historical setting where queerness, trans identities, and disability are fully integrated without becoming sources of conflict. That alone makes it refreshing and enjoyable to read. While the story itself can feel uneven at times, the inclusive society it builds is compelling enough to carry it. It’s not a perfect read, but it’s an important and promising one, and I’d absolutely pick up more books set in this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very different from what my expectations of it. I expected a historical romance, but this was more of a historical fiction with a romance sideplot. While I appreciate the story J.A. Stevens crafted here, I think it should not be marketed as a romance.

Apart from that mix-up, the story was actually really interesting. The characters are very well rounded and interesting to read about. However, the language this is written in reflects how much plot there is to keep up with. I thought it was diffucult to read at times, but that might just be because I do not read historical fiction often.

For this book, the author created a seperate reality England. Women can inherit and trans and nonbinary people are accepted and nothing out of the ordinary. I think this is a really interesting concept and was very intruiged by it. But what was also said in the beginning was that disabled people are a part of public life and treated the same as everyone else. The entire plot then revolved around a disabled person being taken advantage of because of their disability though, which kind of took me out of the universe the author imagined for her society.

In general I would say this was an enjoyable read, but I would not necessarily recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book ahead of its release. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Kayleigh]

A Change of Pace was published 02/23/2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

A Change of Pace gives us a queer-normative regency era piece with a full cast of queer characters, trans representation, and a spectrum of neurosis throughout, without any of them being a point of conflict or issue to overcome.
I didn’t always love the dual points of view, but that could have been because I truly did not love Colt as a character and I felt like I was waiting for his turn to be over. Georgina gave me everything I was looking for. She was feisty and determined and truly went for what she wanted, expectations be damned. If you watched Bridgerton and wanted one of them to be a bit more of a scamp, you’ll enjoy this one.

3.5 rounded up.

[EJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Change of Pace is billed as a lesbian Regency romance, and I enjoyed the parts that actually were that. But there's a curious choice made with the marketing; it doesn't mention that there are actually two POV characters, George and her friend Colt, who is a straight man. Colt also has a full romance arc; like George, he is a rake, but he realizes he has fallen for his longtime friend, the respectable widow Sarah, and struggles to convince her that he can mend his ways for her.

Georgia is unquestionably the more central character, but she also has a substantial non-romance plot going on; many of her efforts to take down the corrupt gambling house don't involve Elizabeth at all, and there are long stretches of the book in which Elizabeth doesn't appear. I haven't counted, but I would not be surprised if Colt/Sarah gets more total page time than George/Elizabeth. Since Colt is still messing around with other women for the first third or so of the book whereas Georgia quickly becomes exclusively focused on the elusive Elizabeth, I'm also pretty sure his POV sections have more sexual scenes (maybe not more full-on sex scenes, I'm pretty sure the couples get two each and I'm not sure if we see Colt actually have sex with anyone else, but there's definitely some on-page making out and fondling with other women).

There's a reason I don't read or review m/f romance novels, and that's because I don't enjoy them. It was kind of frustrating to pick up a book that was advertised as being something relevant to my interests only for about half of it to be something else that I don't enjoy at all. It took me a long time to finish this book because the Colt POV sections were such a slog. (I personally don't enjoy m/f even when one or both characters are queer, but for those for whom it matters I will note both characters are cishet as far as I can tell.)

Now, I admit that's just me and my tastes, not an objective flaw of the book. I know there are readers out there who enjoy both f/f and m/f, and for them this could be a real treat! So I think it's a marketing issue; if there's zero mention of the straight male deuteragonist and his very prominent romance arc, the people for whom this is a "two great tastes that taste great together" situation will never find it, whereas people like me who are going to be put off by the amount of focus on Colt/Sarah will keep stumbling into it.

All of that aside, I also did wish that Elizabeth were a little less elusive; I found it hard to really get a grasp on her character and wanted to know more about her history and what made her tick.

The three-star rating reflects my enjoyment of the book; I think it could easily be a four-star book for someone who likes m/f more than I do.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: A Change of Pace by J.A. Stevens

A Change of Pace is a Regency romance that refuses to use every drama trope in the historical romance handbook. Instead of frantic misunderstandings or contrived scandal, it moves at its own unhurried pace, letting its characters and their quirks actually matter. It quietly asks, “What if love did not have to be exhausting to be real?”

The story follows Miss Georgina “George” Pace, a rakish socialite known for seducing women and throwing herself into pleasure and excess, who is suddenly pulled into something more serious when her acquaintance Mr Arthur Coombes, a vulnerable man targeted by a corrupt gaming house, needs help. Georgina’s quest to save his fortune and reputation leads her into a web of danger and secrets, including a complicated attraction to Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, a mysterious and sharp trans woman who may have her own hidden agenda. Alongside this main plot, Lord Robert Coulthurst, a charismatic flirt and close friend, pursues his own romantic subplot with a widow, adding a second thread of intimacy and development. In this reimagined Regency London, queer identities, neurodivergence, and characters with disabilities are woven into the world as ordinary and valued parts of life rather than decorative afterthoughts. 

That said, the book does not deliver on the advertised sapphic focus many expected. Georgina’s attention does shift to Lady Elizabeth, but the narrative also places significant weight on male characters and subplots (along with multiple POVs) that can dilute the central romantic thread. The pacing and plot often drag, and some romantic beats do not land emotionally, making the story quieter and gentler than the promotional copy implies. It is thoughtful and inclusive, but not the high-drama, fast-moving romance the marketing promises. 

The tone is dry and knowing, especially when skewering polite society and well meaning interference that is neither helpful nor flattering. Conflict arises from social pressure and misinterpretation rather than manufactured crises. The audiobook narration is excellent, capturing both the humor and the emotional subtleties, making the story more engaging and enjoyable to listen to. 

This book will not satisfy readers looking for scandal, constant tension, or fast pacing. I enjoyed the inclusive portrayal of neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and disabled characters, its thoughtfulness, and emotional clarity, but slower pacing, uneven plot structure, shifting points of view, and the mismatch with its advertised premise keep it from scoring higher in my mind.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 stars, so I will be rounding up to 4 stars

This ended up being such a fitting read for where I was when I picked it up. I read most of A Change of Pace while travelling around Bath and other parts of England, and there was something really lovely about pairing a Regency setting with real cobblestone streets and historic buildings outside my window. It definitely added to the atmosphere and made the story feel extra immersive.

At its heart, this is a Regency romance with a sapphic twist, following Georgina “George” Pace, and honestly, she’s the kind of character who makes an impression straight away. She’s bold, chaotic, fiercely loyal, and maybe a little reckless at times, but beneath that confidence, there’s a softness and vulnerability that slowly comes through as the story unfolds. I found myself drawn to her more and more as I understood the grief and guilt she carries, especially around her family and the choices she feels she can’t undo.

I would say the pacing felt a little slow at the beginning. It took some time to settle into the world and the character dynamics, but once I found my footing, I became far more invested. George’s determination to help Arthur after he’s been taken advantage of adds a thread of intrigue that keeps the story moving, and I liked that the plot wasn’t just romance; there was also this undercurrent of justice, redemption, and trying to make things right.

The relationship between George and Lady Elizabeth Mortimer was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their connection isn’t instant or easy, and that tension between them made their quieter moments feel more meaningful. Elizabeth’s reserved nature plays beautifully against George’s impulsiveness, and watching George slowly let her guard down emotionally was really satisfying.

I also really appreciated the author’s note at the end. Reading about the intention behind the worldbuilding and language choices added another layer to the reading experience and helped me understand the vision for this reimagined Regency setting. It’s a version of the period that leans into inclusivity and acceptance, which gave the story a hopeful, almost comforting quality.

Overall, this was an entertaining read that kept me turning the pages over a few days. While the slower start didn’t completely sweep me away right from the beginning, I did grow attached to the characters and would absolutely return to this world. I’m especially curious to see what this Aussie author writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Echo Publishing for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Georgina Pace is a rake and a rogue. She has a reputation for leaving broken hearts in her wake, heedless of the cost, but she is a loyal and caring friend who will stop at nothing to protect those she loves. When her dear friend Mr. Arthur Coombes gets into a spot of trouble with a predatory gaming debt, Georgie makes it her mission to acquire his debt for him. In the process, she meets Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, whose proper ways spark an unfamiliar attraction in Georgie's heart.

A Change of Pace is set in a radically accepting Regency-era England. Queer and neurodiverse people are recognized pillars of society, and men and women- cis and trans- have debuts and guardians to keep an eye on propriety. I loved the idea of A Change of Pace more than the execution, unfortunately. This radical version of the ton wasn't interesting enough on its own to hold up a book without a lot of plot. The main point of conflict is the acquisition of Arthur's vowels so he can be debt free and marry as he chooses, and the secondary conflict is how Georgie thinks Elizabeth is tied to the debt, but which ends up being miscommunication on both sides.

I found the audiobook dual narration confusing. The male narrator, Will Watt, is excellent, but narrates the MMC of the B-romance plot, which made me wonder for roughly half the book whether or not this was actually a romance. I switched from the narration to reading the text with my eyes which helped me give less weigh to the secondary romance plot. I often feel like a book with an A and a B romance works best if there is closer to equal weight, including more character exploration, or much less weight than A Change of Pace was able to present.

I genuinely enjoyed the world JA Stevens presents in A Change of Pace, and I look forward to future books with stronger plot to explore that world more.

Thank you to Generous Press for an eARC and Spotify Audiobooks for an ALC. A Change of Pace is out 2/3/2026.

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

it brings me no pleasure to come to the conclusion that i didn’t love this. i really wanted to – i’m so excited that there are finally historical romance books that are inclusive from the jump! i’ve seen a few in this vein, and it’s so much fun to read about queer people in a historical setting without the conflict relating to the fact that they’re queer. however, that was the beginning and end of what i really enjoyed about this book. like other reviewers, i found the second pov with an m/f storyline to be a bit jarring – and i say this as someone who does regularly read m/f romances alongside my queer romances. the two storylines felt disjointed to me, and i didn’t really feel chemistry between either pairing, to be honest. sarah’s decision to finally give in to colt felt very abrupt, as well.

i felt this way about some of the plot resolution of this story, too – i can’t say too much without spoiling things, but the fact that one of the main conflicts came to an end off page while georgina was otherwise occupied felt very anticlimactic. it’s really such a shame, because i loved the worldbuilding of this inclusive society – not only of queer people, but disabled people as well. it was so thoughtfully done, and that’s why i’m not docking my rating lower. i absolutely want to encourage these kinds of books to keep growing in this community, so i hope to see much more in this vein someday.

thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeimy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I requested A Change of Pace expecting a Regency romance in the tradition of authors like Julia Quinn or Alexis Hall. Instead, what I encountered was something closer to a Regency-set thriller—one that follows Georgina “George” Pace as she descends further into London’s shadowy underworld in an effort to restore a friend’s honor. The tonal shift from romantic escapism to intrigue and danger caught me off guard and shaped much of my reading experience.

There is much here that will appeal to readers seeking inclusive historical fiction. The world is intentionally queer-normative, the central romance involves a trans woman, and the narrative clearly reflects the author’s personal investment in telling affirming stories. The cast is vibrant, the stakes are high, and the pacing kept me turning pages quickly—I finished the book in only a couple of days.

Ultimately, however, this was not the kind of story I had hoped to read at the time. My distance from the thriller elements made it difficult to feel fully connected to the outcome, particularly once a secondary point of view was introduced from a character I found less compelling. Readers who enjoy Regency mysteries or intrigue-driven historical fiction may find far more to admire here than I did, and my reaction is best understood as one of mismatched expectations rather than a judgment on the book’s intentions.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Not only do we get queer-normative Regency era in A Change of Pace, but we also get a transfemme protagonist and a whole cast of gender-bending characters (there are even female butlers!). For Bridgerton fans, I couldn’t help but feel like this is the world Benedict Bridgerton would thrive in.

Georgina Pace has dealt with a lot of trauma in her life, and she’s never fully healed, instead finding promiscuous ways to deal with her emotions. When a dear friend runs into trouble with some gambling debts, Georgina steps in to help. That’s when she meets Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, and Georgina is instantly smitten.

Filled with intrigue and suspense, we follow the story of Georgina trying to help her friend out of trouble, heal from her trauma, and fall in love with the enigmatic Lady Elizabeth Mortimer.

A delightful read from a new author that I highly recommend!

Plus, it’s actively being adapted to a TV series called "Pace" with Impact Film Group.

TW: While the book primarily centers around Georgina and Elizabeth’s lives and (sapphic) relationship, there is a prominent hetero side story and a couple of sex scenes with those characters. If that bothers you, those scenes can be skipped and you can still enjoy the story fully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Generous Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Micheal Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Change of Pace is a bold and refreshing reimagining of Regency London, offering readers a vibrant and inclusive historical romance that feels both classic and distinctly modern. J.A. Stevens crafts a world where identity and desire are not constrained by prejudice, allowing the story’s emotional core to take center stage.

Georgina “George” Pace is a compelling and unconventional heroine confident, charismatic, and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her rakish charm is balanced by emotional depth, particularly as long buried memories and personal vulnerabilities begin to surface. The dynamic between Georgina and Lady Elizabeth Mortimer unfolds with satisfying tension, blending wit, intrigue, and genuine romantic chemistry.

Beyond the romance, the novel carries a strong narrative drive. The subplot involving Mr. Coombes’ misfortune introduces stakes that push Georgina into dangerous territory, adding layers of suspense and moral conviction to the story. This combination of passion, intrigue, and character growth keeps the pages turning.

Wickedly witty, emotionally resonant, and atmospherically rich, A Change of Pace will appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance with strong LGBTQ+ representation and sharp social energy. It is a confident debut that blends heart, heat, and high society with impressive balance.

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

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Thank you Echo Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review

A Change of Pace by J.A. Stevens is a Regency romance with a whole lot of queer sparkle! In this wonderfully inclusive alternate London, Miss Georgina Pace never thought she needed love but finds herself drawn into a daring mission when her vulnerable acquaintance Mr. Arthur Coombes is being swindled by a shady gaming house. In Georgina’s quest to help Authur, they stumble across secret gambling dens to duels and masquerades.

What makes this book truly special is its bold twist on classic Regency tropes: there’s romance without prejudice, adventure without exclusion, and characters you’ll fall in love with just as hard as Georgina falls for Elizabeth. Alongside a cast of lovable friends like Lord Robert Coulthurst, the story balances big laughs, and moments of genuine tenderness. Georgina’s journey is one of justice and self-discovery, and the romance is heartfelt. If you’re craving historical romance with queer joy, daring antics, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed, then this one is absolutely for you.

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Spotify Audio and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I was excited to read this sapphic Regency romance set in a queer-normative world. And when that’s actually what the book focuses on, it’s good. But the book also has an entirely unnecessary m/f side plot romance that takes up just as much screen time (and we get more m/f steamy scenes actually).

The plot is interesting, the main intrigue being Georgiana trying to protect a new friend from being swindled by a gambling hell. Her protective nature, especially as Combes reminds her of her late brother is very sweet. But we also go off on side plots with her rakish friend. I think the book could have really benefitted from some more focus and more attention to the “primary” sapphic romance. I wanted much more on time page just to develop feelings and connections. As it stands, I just didn’t feel like enough time was spent anywhere to get me super emotionally invested.

Both narrators were really fantastic though. As an audiobook, it was an entertaining way to spend a day.

[Dahlia (ofpagesandprint) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A Change of Pace is a queer historical romance set in a reimagined, more inclusive Regency London.

I enjoyed many parts of this one, but others fell flat for me. I loved exploring J.A. Stevens’s reimagined London through her characters. In Stevens’s London, segregation, bigotry, persecution, and exclusion do not exist, and it is a welcoming and refreshing queer-normative read. I also enjoyed the historical details. The characters were vivid, although I found it difficult to connect with them at times. The pacing fit the story nicely, but I longed for more plot development. There were many fun romantic scenes, but I also hoped for more development of Georgina’s romance with Elizabeth. Stevens’s prose was engaging and vibrant. I would recommend this one to readers who’ve had their eyes on it.

K. A. Walsh and Will Watt were delightful narrators. Their voices captured the energy and characters beautifully. I recommend the audiobook!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
There are two storylines running concurrently in this novel. The love story between Lady Mortimer and Georgina Pace and Colt and Sarah. It took a me a minute to sort this out, but once I did, it was easy to follow along with both plotlines.
This book started with a beautiful dedication. There is also a whole separate vocabulary for sexual orientation. It is ok if you don't remember it because when the terms are referenced in the novel, context is provided and you are able to equate the term with known terms.
This is a regency romance that focuses on two rakish characters who meet/know people who make them want them to forsake their ways. There is mystery and corruption and overall is just a sweet romantic read.
This was a change of pace for me. I love Bridgerton (the show, books not so much) so this was an enjoyable surprise.

[Bethany Pearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Author copy supplied*
This book was a refreshing inclusive read that made me wanting to know what George was going to do next. The relationships and the characters in this book have a deep caring for each other and that is portrayed beautifully. This book creates a safe space for everyone I’m sure you’ll find someone beautiful to relate to.

The book starts off with classic George and her roguish behaviour and keeps up the pace. The book slows around the middle however quickly picks up the pace and dives back in. It keeps you moving and interested until the very end.

This book is honestly an amazing read and such a huge accomplishment for a first book from this amazing Author. Follow along with J. A. Stevens because hopefully there will be more to come!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely read! I adored the writing style of a kind of whimsical nature. I loved the inclusivity and representation. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There are two stories included. Well maybe a kind of side story(?) featuring the pov of one of Georgina’s best friends and his bit of character arc. I enjoyed his parts but was more focused and entertained with Georgina’s pov. I appreciated her fierce loyalty and desire to help others. I loved how she went from quite the player to…well I don’t want to give away any spoilers!

Highly recommend if you fancy acceptance as the norm as well as historical romance, both m/f and sapphic. Well written. Fun. Bright. Well paced. <3

[Cindy]

DNF at 20%.

An intriguing premise set in a queer normative world. I appreciated the effort put into the world building.

However I found I wasn't enjoying the reading experience. The prose was too wordy and self conscious for me. I like some descriptive text, but I felt as if there was some adverb and adjective target the author was trying to hit and it impacted on the story.

If you’re looking for a historical romance in a queer normative, inclusive world this book may be for you.

Thank you Generous Press and NetGalley for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Samantha Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by author J A Steven is remarkable. It’s regency romance like you have never read before. It is set in the regency era but a reimagined one where diversity and being who you are is just part of society. We’re talking loving who you want and gender is anything from cis, non binary to transgender. The main character is funny, sexy and smart and I couldn’t get enough of her!
The love stories are sweet and had me invested from the start.
I loved the quick nod to Lord Byron and a different take on how his life could have been. Just brilliant. Can’t wait for more from this author.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this reimagined take on Pride and Prejudice. The author delivers an intriguing tale that has many fresh twists. The world building was well done, and the characters were nicely developed. I highly appreciated and liked the diversity representation and level of acceptance that was showcased. If only but hopefully someday.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what *A Change of Pace* indeed!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. So refreshing to see someone writing about diverse characters in such a beautiful, meaningful way. Miss Georgina Pace certainly steals the show, but the other characters in this book are equally as captivating. I can't wait to read what J.A.Stevens writes next!

[Katelyn Hayter-Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. I love the Regency era, and this was a unique spin on the time period. I enjoyed the storyline, and the plot twist was perfect! I loved the character growth and the darker side of the Ton shown.
Thank you, NetGalley, Generous Press, and J.A. Stevens

[Kimmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciated the idea behind A Change of Pace, the dual POV and heavy secondary romance distracted from the central sapphic storyline, making it hard for me to fully connect with the book. I appreciate the opportunity from Edelweiss+ and Microcosm Publishing to read and review.

[diamondinthepages · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 33% I thought this was going to be a historical romance but this was more historical fiction with a romance sprinkle. This just wasn’t for me.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a breath of fresh air! I enjoyed the characters so much (though I knocked off a star for the male friend's POV chapters because I felt they weren't needed). It was lovely to live in a Regency era world where LGBTQ+ individuals were openly accepted and normalized. I would absolutely read more books in this universe.

The chemistry between George and Elizabeth was fireeeeee. I adored their relationship and wished to see more of it in an established setting.

I will certainly be buying a copy of this for my collection!

Thank you to NetGalley and Generous Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Mathter Works · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The characters and premise are excellent, but there is quite a bit of bloat. I also felt like the character was at times needlessly obtuse for the sake of plot. The romance thread satisfied my expectations at least.