Sarah Wallace (1)

Not my cup of pseudo-British tea, I'm afraid. The author writes that 'this book was borne out of my reading Georgette Heyer Regency romances and several queer romance novels simultaneously', which should have been warning enough. Not the queer romance element, because I agree that 'everyone deserves to see characters they relate to', but Georgette Heyer - I cannot stand the counterfeit Austen author and gurgling Heyeroines! Unfortunately, the influence is strong with this one, with only a LGBT friendly twist on the bookish innocent and Regency rake to set the stories apart. Oh, and a weak fantasy element that doesn't really go anywhere or serve a purpose, at least in the first book.

Gavin - Gavin! - Hartford is the country innocent sent to big, bad London so that he can learn how to run the family property (or escape his older brother). Gavin prefers to hide in the library reading books rather than venture out and actually meet people, but when he risks an outing to a club, the first person he meets is Charles Kentworthy, whose roguish reputation precedes him. Of course, they strike up an unlikely 'friendship', based mainly on Gavin's looks and lack of social skills, which develops into the usual Heyer-esque romance.

My first problem with the story was the epistolary format, which I always struggle with. The correspondents always seem to have photographic memories and a chronic case of over-sharing. Gavin writes to his sister, Gerry, a budding Heyeroine if ever there was one, and Charles, of course, plus various family members and new friends. I'm surprised he has time to go anywhere or meet anyone, and I hope his sister has a spell for writing cramp.

Then there are the characters themselves. Gavin is a complete twink whose only attraction to the other characters appears to be his boyish good looks and naïve nature - men are forever cupping his chin or ruffling his hair and calling him a darling boy. Charles is the rake with a heart who takes Gavin out on the town, introduces him to the ton, and even nurses him back to health after he catches a chill in the rain (ah, that old chestnut). Sister Gerry is the sparky little sister who is keen on casting spells and advising her brother about Society. There is also snobbish elder brother John and Sebastian, the youngest, who starts his letters 'What ho, Gav!' and appears to have escaped from P G Wodehouse's novels. Although the Regency setting of the story felt more Edwardian to me anyway, so Sebastian wouldn't have far to time travel.

I did appreciate the 'social' worldbuilding, where men and women are equal - both require chaperones before marriage - and sexuality and gender identity are open and accepted in society. Gavin discusses his 'persuasion' with his sister and - o sweet summer child - is surprised to meet a gender fluid 'dukex'. The pronouns and pairings are stronger than the diluted Jonathan Strange magic, at least.… (altro)