Title: Sword Dance (Sword Dance #1)

Author: A. J. Demas

Date of publication: 31 July 2019

Genre: Alt-history Romance, queer romance

Author's links:

My rating: 4 stars

This is the second book I read by this author and it is set in a vaguely similar world - alternate historical world reminiscent of Ancient Greece and Rome. I liked the world building before and I liked it here. It's a rich and vividly depicted world.

I liked suspense/murder mystery at a house party plot and was invested in it despite finding it all going a bit silly towards the end, still it''s very enjoyable and good enough background for the romance plot.

I found both MCs very interesting and likable. Damiskos and Varazda are opposites in many ways but both are decent human beings, who care about others and are open to exploring the attraction between them.

Damiskos is an ex-soldier, uncertain about his future, disabled. He struggles to find his direction in life but at the same time is comfortable in his desires and sexuality. Varazda is a non-binary sword dancer, an eunuch, a freed slave. Acting was part of his job (dancer and a spy) but women's style is also part of who he was - long hair and kohl and dresses and accesories. I found him to be a captivating character, both strong and loyal but also insecure, lacking experience in consensual sex, never before having  had a lover/partner on his own free choosing.

Their relationship started under extreme circumstance and was to some extend adrenaline driven, though their moments of tender heart-to-hearts were my favourite. The awkwardly shared fears and doubts and dreams under the cover of the night melted my heart. 

There is no HEA at the end of this book, just the promise to explore things between Dami and Varazda further.

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I was happy that I could read this book right after I finished the first one so I could pick up Dami and Varazda's story right where they left off.

I loved the romance here even more than in book 1 but also found the suspense, especially the whole plotline with Varazda's friend Ariston even more ridiculous than in book 1. This did nothing to detract of my joy of the rest of the story though.

Seeing Dami and Varazda becoming a couple, navigating V's family and friends, deepening their intimacy (which had its ups and downs) was wonderful.

My favourite element in the romance is how much of it is basically caring about each other, being mindful of the other person's issues (Dami's disability impairs his movement and V is also considerate of that without making a big deal about it; V's trauma impacts his ability to be intimate of Dami and Dami did his best to make their intimate experiences as comfortable, as satisfying as possible for V without making him pressured or inadequate in any way).

I absolutely loved seeing them navigate V's family and domestic routines. Dami is great with V's found family, no questions, no doubts, complete understanding of V's obligations and care for his loved ones. I liked how they navigate their intimacy, made accommodations for the traumas and disabilities of the other without making it a big deal. There was awkwardness and misunderstandings, but also a lot of care for each other, subtle gestures of support, love, trust which I loved seeing on page.

This book delves deeper into Varazda being non-binary/genderfluid. I enjoyed seeing him embrace himself (and his friends' absolute acceptance of who he is) but since I am a cis person myself I don't feel qualified to judge how well the non-binary representation was done.

The story ends abruptly but with a tentative HFN and the promise of a HEA. I am excited to read the next book in the series and see how Damiskos and Varazda and their loved ones will settle together as one big family.

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Title: That Potent Alchemy (Treading the Boards #3)
Author: Tess Bowery
Date of publication: 27 Sept 2016
Genre / Themes: Historical romance / Theatre / POC / Genderfluid character

Author's links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads
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My rating: 4.5 Stars

Is his love her safe place to land…or just smoke and mirrors? 

Grace Owens danced her feet bloody to become the finest en pointe prodigy of her generation, but the only accolade she longed for—her father’s approval—never came. Finally, broken and defeated, she cut ties and fled to London to live life on her own terms.

Now, after four years as an actress in London’s smaller theatres, a last-minute production change lands her right where she never wanted to be again. Front and center in the ballet—and back in toe shoes.

From his perch on the catwalks, machinist and stagecraft illusionist Isaac Caird can’t take his eyes off Grace. A woman who wears men’s clothing, but not as a disguise. An exquisite beauty who doesn’t keep a lover. A skilled dancer who clearly hates every pirouette.

The perfect lines of her delicate body inspire him to create a new illusion—with her as the centerpiece—that will guarantee sold-out shows. Maybe even attract a royal’s patronage. But first he has to get her to look at him. And convince her the danger is minimal—especially within the circle of his arms.

Featuring a gender-fluid ballet dancer, an amateur chemist who only occasionally starts fires, and an old rivalry that could tear them apart.

Review

This is my first book by Tess Bowery and I loved is so much that I immediately got the previous two as well. I first heard about this series through KJ Charles who gave them great praise and made me curious to try it and now I wonder why it took me so long to come to them. 

This is a mf Regency romance set in the London theater scene but it's not all about the glamour and the actors and actresses, but also about the people behind the scene who make the magic on stage happen. I found it refreshing and really interesting to get a glimpse of the live of "ordinary"and, well, not so ordinary people in Regency London. 

Another element that sets this story apart from most historical romaines in that both hero and heroine are people of colour and race issues feature somewhat prominently in the story. That and gender identity issues. All this was explored in a plot involving some magic stage effects, one bet and some secret plans being stolen and it made one intriguing, tender and real love story.

I liked the author's writing style, the story flowed smoothly and there is a neat balance between the intensity of the romantic plot and intrigue of the suspense plot.

Both main characters, Grace and Isaac were outstanding. He reads a beta to me, something not represented often enough in romance and I (and Grace) found him completely irresistible. He is caring and loving and persistent without coming off of domineering or patronising. He is fascinated by Grace and absolutely open to being with her on her own terms. I loved his reaction to her uniqueness, his willingness to try new things, meet the challenges she posed, it all built the ground for the intimacy she so feared, yet craved.

As I said Grace is unique in many ways, an actress, a ballet dancer, and overall amazing, extra-ordinary human being. I found her fascinating and I loved the way the author presented her gender-fluid nature - the doubts and fears, the determination to be true to oneself, the courage it took to share this with a lover. It was interesting and beautiful though I think there was room for more in-depth exploration of this issue.

This is a very character focused story and it had everything I love in a good romance - initial hesitation, slow getting to know each other which leads to moments of tenderness and true intimacy. The romance followed the gradual growth of mutual attraction into love and desire to share one's life with the that special other person.

It short, this is a wonderful historical romance done with a lot of thought and care about the details. Definitely a recommended read!