A CHANGE OF PACE

In an alternate Regency London that is more inclusive and accepting, a rakish woman unexpectedly falls in love.

Miss Georgina Pace lives a carefree life of drinking, gambling, and wooing women—although not seeking long-lasting relationships. But when a friend asks for her help after Mr. Arthur Coombes, a “miris” (an author-created term for individuals with Down Syndrome or similar chromosomal abnormalities), is swindled in a secret gambling hall, she finds herself on a dangerous path in the name of justice. At the disreputable place, Georgina meets the attractive Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, a trans woman—in this world called a “velina.” Georgina worries what the enigmatic do-gooder Elizabeth’s connection is to the cruel crooks who run this business, but finds her attraction growing, regardless. As Georgina tries to take down the whole institution and winds up in increasingly perilous situations, she’s confronted with memories of the darkest part of her past. Meanwhile, chapters focusing on Georgina’s close friend Lord Robert Coulthurst, a promiscuous flirt, are interspersed as he assists with Georgina’s plans and experiences his own romance, a friends-to-lovers situation. Differences in gender, sexual orientation, ability, and race are non-issues in this world, but that doesn’t mean everyone is kind or drama and evil don’t exist. There’s plenty of excitement and emotion here, alongside staples of the Regency era from a ball to a duel, and Georgina is a captivating heroine. The secondary romance isn’t as strong and, when it doesn’t directly tie into Georgina’s story, can feel out of place. Still, the large cast of side characters is full of lovable, unique personalities that contribute to this enjoyable, often exhilarating, original tale in which everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.

A sumptuous historical-romance debut that is affirmingly queer and trans inclusive.