A Change of Pace
J. A. Stevens’s delightful queer Regency romance novel A Chance of Pace features a diverse cast and multiple mysteries.
Georgina is a rake beyond redemption, or so she believes. She is recruited to help a friend in need and encounters mysterious Lady Mortimer. At the same time, Georgina is deep in her cups in mourning while she dodges the affections of a young lady whom she once favored. Georgina’s closest friends, Lord Colthurst and Mrs. Sarah Fortescue, support her erratic ways, even as they navigate their own romantic tensions, building since Sarah was widowed years ago.
During her investigation, Georgina stumbles upon an illegal operation to fleece vulnerable people; it appears that Lady Mortimer is involved. While Georgina struggles with her growing feelings for Lady Mortimer, she fears she can trust no one. She risks ruin as she becomes more embroiled in the conflict.
Told in alternating viewpoints and enlivened by snappy conversations and period slang, the novel shows Georgina and Colt working through the obstacles that prevent them from embracing love. In this version of Regency London, queer and transgender people love as they will, and disabled people and people of color find acceptance at all levels of society. Georgina spends much of the book cocooned by her high status; with Lady Mortimer’s influence, she opens her eyes to the sufferings of those in the lower class. Spurred by these experiences, Georgina learns to forgive herself for her past errors and to extend empathy to those around her, thereby becoming a worthy companion to her lady love. Meanwhile, Colt, on a parallel journey, hopes to renounce his careless pursuits of ardor over affection.
A cheerful and dazzling romance novel, A Change of Pace reimagines Regency society with emphasis on queer connections.
Reviewed by
Jeana Jorgensen
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
