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.
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!