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Loved the setting (queer Paris! art! indulgence!) but Cora‘s portrayal as a ruthless businesswoman didn‘t hold up—some of her choices didn‘t quite match that image. The romance leaned heavily on lust, and I wanted more emotional depth. Still, Herrera‘s celebration of queer history shines through. Glad this book exists. #SapphicRomance #HistoricalRomance ⭐️⭐️⭐️

My February #DoubleSpin pick was this historical romance novel. I‘d never read Beverly Jenkins before. What a treat! Credit goes to my alma mater for hosting a discussion of romance novels through a critical/intersectional lens, and including this one on their list. Jenkins‘s afterword describing her research made me want to read the others in this trilogy. (I‘m not a big fan of romances or westerns, so that‘s saying something!)

This slow-burn Regency romance between two trans men is charming, tender, and full of dry wit. Christopher is a pastel-wearing poetry lover trying to avoid marriage—and Harding is the valet who upends everything. Their slow friendship blooms into something beautiful, and the ending delivers. Queer joy, found family, and softness in a world that wasn‘t made for them.

I am really enjoying this series. The characters are so great and I am loving the plot of time travel story line. I rated the book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Book 3 in the Bridgerton series was a delight.

Benedict and Sophie's love story is reminiscent of Cinderella.

I was along for the ride from beginning to end 💞

This was a lovely novella for the holidays. Sweet, romantic, and perfect to curl up and read by the fire 🎄

I was tempted to read vol 4 of MDZS but in the end I used my internetless evening to finish this off. Now just two books left to complete my November #BookSpinBingo.

This was okay. Fairly predictable, all in all, with the main characters both stupidly keeping secrets. A very light pick, maybe a so-so. I wasn't tempted to DNF but I won't read more in the series.

“There was nothing she valued more than a cool and clear head, and Michael had managed to steal that from her with a single kiss.”