Representation: black heroine (IN A FANCY SWOOSHY DRESS, ON THE COVER!!!).
Steam: slow, but burning, but slow. A slow burn, is what I’m saying here.
This Victorian romance occurs between a known rake/old-timey celebrity and a gifted black woman with a love of astronomy. So it’s absolutely fascinating right off the bat. There are old-timey maths and science jokes galore, and I love it. Ah, Courtney Milan, queen of my geek heart.
The story also explores the lives of Black Brits and the work of Black British communities at the time. Plus, there’s a look at the chilling source of an ongoing and life-threatening form of racism that still exists today. But let’s not talk about that part, because I’m trying to have fun, here, okay?
Obviously, obviously, my favourite thing about this book is the fact that its title is a pun. A pun that the hero uses throughout! To flirt! With the heroine! Her last name is Sweetly, and whenever she tells him about her geeky pursuits, he says…
HE SAYS…
“I LOVE IT WHEN YOU TALK SWEETLY TO ME.”
AHHHHHHH CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING??? I THINK YOU CAN.
So there we have it. Four of my favourite diverse histroms, complete with several thousand reasons (give or take) why you should read them all, now, immediately. Especially if you’ve never had the pleasure of a historical romance that centres diverse characters! Oh, you’re in for a treat. Don’t say I never give you anything.
Now go forth, and enjoy.
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