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The Christmas Chevalier
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Alvy Lexington has bought himself the best Christmas present in the world. True, the draughty flat on a dingy stretch of the Thames has none of the welcoming holiday warmth of his family’s West London townhouse. That is the entire point! No one who knows him by his given name will ever set foot here. When his old friend Laura Jacobs needs somewhere to spend the holidays, A
...more
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Start your review of The Christmas Chevalier
ARC received via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one! I absolutely love queer historical romances; it's my favourite comfort genre by a country mile, and this was a good one.
I'm cis, so I can't comment too much on the trans rep in this one, but I did like how the author handled other people's perceptions of Alvy. Laura has no problem at all changing the framework by which she views her friend, once she's made aware that he isn't who she's alway ...more
I really enjoyed this one! I absolutely love queer historical romances; it's my favourite comfort genre by a country mile, and this was a good one.
I'm cis, so I can't comment too much on the trans rep in this one, but I did like how the author handled other people's perceptions of Alvy. Laura has no problem at all changing the framework by which she views her friend, once she's made aware that he isn't who she's alway ...more
4.5 stars, rounded up for having a trans man as the hero in a historical romance. I love it! This is such a charming well-written novella, with great characters and a heartwarming story arc. The Christmas Chevalier is absolutely my favorite holiday read for 2020.
Dec 15, 2020
Althea
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
2020-releases,
adult,
arcs,
ebooks,
historical-fiction,
lgbt,
romance,
trans-and-nonbinary,
pansexual,
novellas
3.5/5 Stars
This was a really fun Victorian historical-fiction novella featuring a trans main character (which I really want to see more of!). The plot overall was a lot of fun but I wish that it revolved less around the trans main character being trans and not much else other than that, particularly since this resulted in a lot of misgendering and blackmail involving outing said main character. Aside from that I did enjoy this and I wish it had been longer to develop the relationships between ch ...more
This was a really fun Victorian historical-fiction novella featuring a trans main character (which I really want to see more of!). The plot overall was a lot of fun but I wish that it revolved less around the trans main character being trans and not much else other than that, particularly since this resulted in a lot of misgendering and blackmail involving outing said main character. Aside from that I did enjoy this and I wish it had been longer to develop the relationships between ch ...more
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The Christmas Chevalier is the first book in the new Christmas Masquerade series by Meg Mardell. This story is set in later Victorian-era England and focuses on the wealthy Alvy as he explores being what we would probably call transgender in today’s terms. From the very start, Mardell makes conspicuous use of gendered pronouns in reference to Alvy. I’ll admit, it took me a while to pick up on Alvy being transgender because of the changing pronouns. Being rich mea ...more
3.75 stars
The Christmas Chevalier is the first book in the new Christmas Masquerade series by Meg Mardell. This story is set in later Victorian-era England and focuses on the wealthy Alvy as he explores being what we would probably call transgender in today’s terms. From the very start, Mardell makes conspicuous use of gendered pronouns in reference to Alvy. I’ll admit, it took me a while to pick up on Alvy being transgender because of the changing pronouns. Being rich mea ...more
THE CHRISTMAS CHEVALIER is a really sweet, fast-paced holiday novella.
I really liked how the queer romance was handled. There was nothing too dark or complicated, and the characters were all very accepting of each other. Perfect for the light, holiday story and for the amount of space available in the shorter page count.
The historical setting was well done and I thought the various locations were clear and vividly written: the costumed ball, the outdoor ice rink and Alvy’s bohemian flat.
There a ...more
I really liked how the queer romance was handled. There was nothing too dark or complicated, and the characters were all very accepting of each other. Perfect for the light, holiday story and for the amount of space available in the shorter page count.
The historical setting was well done and I thought the various locations were clear and vividly written: the costumed ball, the outdoor ice rink and Alvy’s bohemian flat.
There a ...more
Review excerpted from my blog post over at Pan/Cis LGBT2SQ+ Romance Reviews (https://pancis.wordpress.com/2021/01/...)
Overall Rating: 4.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
__________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Slow burn
Relationship dynamics: The ...more
Overall Rating: 4.0 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library LGBT2SQ+ historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
__________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Slow burn
Relationship dynamics: The ...more
The Christmas Chevalier by Meg Mardell is a delightful debut novella set in Victorian England. Alvy is such an interesting character and it's important and so interesting to read about LGBTQ+ characters in a historical setting. I really wish this story was fleshed out more, though. Alvy and Laura had a lot of story to tell and while the story ends happily for them, it also quite abruptly ends..
Great bones, just wanted more depth. Beautiful world building and some lovely scenes with the printing ...more
Great bones, just wanted more depth. Beautiful world building and some lovely scenes with the printing ...more
Oh my gosh I love The Christmas Chevalier so much! Meg Mardell has written one of the sweetest romances I have read this holiday season.
If you are a follower then you know that I am not a huge fan of historical fiction. Mardell makes you forget that you are reading a historical romance. I am saying this, but the simplicity of the time frame actually makes the romance even sweeter. Mardell’s descriptions are on point and emphasize what is important: this is a romance.
There is a villian of the tal ...more
If you are a follower then you know that I am not a huge fan of historical fiction. Mardell makes you forget that you are reading a historical romance. I am saying this, but the simplicity of the time frame actually makes the romance even sweeter. Mardell’s descriptions are on point and emphasize what is important: this is a romance.
There is a villian of the tal ...more
I read this one in almost one go and oh it was such a sweet and beautiful story! I have a huge weakness for books set in the Victorian Age and this one - this was a real gem.
I was slightly confused, however, because I couldn't quite tell for a really long time whether Laura knew that Alvy was trans or not. Besides that - I can only recommened this book. It was a perfect and sweet read and as a person who's questioning their own gender identity I think this was probably the sweetest Christmas gi ...more
I was slightly confused, however, because I couldn't quite tell for a really long time whether Laura knew that Alvy was trans or not. Besides that - I can only recommened this book. It was a perfect and sweet read and as a person who's questioning their own gender identity I think this was probably the sweetest Christmas gi ...more
I received a copy of The Christmas Chevalier by Meg Mardell via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy stories about nonconforming people in historical settings because of course they existed all throughout history, but history is written by cis white men. Alvy is a fascinating character as they attempt to live their authentic life in Victorian England. Laura too is finding it challenging to fit into the typical governess mold, if on
...more
Meg Mardell's The Christmas Chevalier is an adorable historical queer romance with a trans love interest! TBH I'm not usually a fan of romance novels, but it's Christmas! Who doesn't like a little romance around the holidays?
Mardell really excels in setting the scene. Victorian London at Christmas really comes alive and it is full of excellent scenery: "Every railing, balustrade, and ornate picture frame of the entrance hall was festooned in evergreen branches and wrapped in gold-flecked white ...more
Mardell really excels in setting the scene. Victorian London at Christmas really comes alive and it is full of excellent scenery: "Every railing, balustrade, and ornate picture frame of the entrance hall was festooned in evergreen branches and wrapped in gold-flecked white ...more
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.
WARNINGs: on-street harassment of MC (feared to be over trans identity), blackmail of MC (over trans identity), deadnaming and misgendering of MC (this is due to the other main character not knowing that he is trans), the trans character is not out to his family
This is a good book, but I will say that the beginning was a little bit confusing as I struggled to get a grasp on the characters and the plot. I carried on ...more
WARNINGs: on-street harassment of MC (feared to be over trans identity), blackmail of MC (over trans identity), deadnaming and misgendering of MC (this is due to the other main character not knowing that he is trans), the trans character is not out to his family
This is a good book, but I will say that the beginning was a little bit confusing as I struggled to get a grasp on the characters and the plot. I carried on ...more
3 stars
It took me half the book to finally understand who were the characters and what was the plot of the story and still I think it had so much going on that i didn't felt I fully enjoy the story.
To be honest I was expecting more or something else and I felt the story was left unfinished. Still, I did end up liking it, especially the ending with Alvy's mother(?) Alexandra.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It took me half the book to finally understand who were the characters and what was the plot of the story and still I think it had so much going on that i didn't felt I fully enjoy the story.
To be honest I was expecting more or something else and I felt the story was left unfinished. Still, I did end up liking it, especially the ending with Alvy's mother(?) Alexandra.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It’s unusual enough to find a trans character in historical romance that I really wanted to give this another star. But there were too many questions left unanswered, even for a novella. The writing is charmingly old-fashioned, and the characters were intriguing. Usually I would describe the plot more, but I don’t want to give anything away.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.
4.5 stars
An adorable holiday romance novella with a trans love interest. The romance was so sweet, and I couldn't put it down, despite the low angst and low stakes. It had it own unique charm that held my interest throughout, and the HEA was so rewarding.
I only wish we as readers could see more of the Victorian Christmas, since the author did such a good job of describing the setting. We saw only glimpses of it, and I, for one, craved more. ...more
An adorable holiday romance novella with a trans love interest. The romance was so sweet, and I couldn't put it down, despite the low angst and low stakes. It had it own unique charm that held my interest throughout, and the HEA was so rewarding.
I only wish we as readers could see more of the Victorian Christmas, since the author did such a good job of describing the setting. We saw only glimpses of it, and I, for one, craved more. ...more
This was an enjoyable historical romance!
This book is set in Victorian England and what drew me to it was the authenticity of the author's writing.
The setting was described in true Victoria era style.
The characters were interesting and engaging.
I haven't read a historical romance novel in a while and a queer one at that.
I absolutely enjoyed this one. It was refreshing and unique. ...more
This book is set in Victorian England and what drew me to it was the authenticity of the author's writing.
The setting was described in true Victoria era style.
The characters were interesting and engaging.
I haven't read a historical romance novel in a while and a queer one at that.
I absolutely enjoyed this one. It was refreshing and unique. ...more
Loved it!
A wonderful choice for my holiday read and can’t wait for the next book. From the food to the frocks Mardell’s quirky characters capture the now lost but still loved Britain with wit and elegance.
A wonderful choice for my holiday read and can’t wait for the next book. From the food to the frocks Mardell’s quirky characters capture the now lost but still loved Britain with wit and elegance.
[The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
A really cute queer christmas story! I wish it was longer.
A really cute queer christmas story! I wish it was longer.
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Meg moved from the US to England because she fell in love with the Victorians' peculiar blend of glamour and grime. After a decade of exploring historical excesses in a prim scholarly fashion, she realized that fiction is the best way to delve into that period's great female-focused and LGBT+ stories. Weaned on the high-seas romances of the 1990s, she's lost none of her love for cross-dressing cab
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