Letters to Half Moon Street

Letters to Half Moon Street (2022) Sarah Wallace (Meddle & Mend #1)

Set in alternate London in 1815

I enjoyed the Fae & Human Relations series Sarah Wallace co-wrote with S.O. Callahan, so I picked up this book awhile ago, but hadn’t gotten around to reading it. I’m sorry I waited, as her influence for this story was Georgette Heyer, and there was no boinking.

This is an alternative history where magic exists and there are no strictures against queer marriages (although there are still rules about chaperones).

The story is told in a series of letters between Gavin and various family members and friends–the majority of which are with his sister Gerry and Charles Kentworthy who he meets soon into his stay in London.

Although Gavin technically should have had a chaperone, it’s clear why his parents allowed him to go to London alone to act as steward to his father.

I liked the quiet atmosphere, but I was alarmed by the number of people inside. I went straight to the dining room and found a little table in the corner. I sat next to a lovely stained glass window, which was pleasant, and no one approached me, which was a relief. It was unsettling, though, to sit in a dining room amongst strangers and to be completely alone.

My evenings at the club have been very strange lately. The manager keeps asking me if I would like to be introduced to people. Did she ever do that to you? I told her I knew no one in London, and then she said apparently some people would like to know me. This was a terrifying prospect, so I begged her to discourage them as politely as she could. She gave me an odd look but did as I asked.

NO! Not people to TALK TO!

It’s delightful.

Gavin is pretty clearly both neurodivergent and demisexual, so it’s unsurprising that he misses all the clues (even if his sister doesn’t).

The fantasy is also lovely, and I like how rules regarding magic seem to parallel those of business for the gentry.

I have never seen a Person of Quality use magic to the amount he does. I would almost describe it as showing off, but he performed magic almost as if it were second nature to him.

If you’re looking for a queer-normative romance with zero boinking, I heartily recommend Letters to Half Moon Street. Especially if you like epistolary stories.

Characters: Gavin Hartford, Geraldine Hartford, John and Veronica Hartford, Sebastian Hartford, Reginald Hartford, Winnifred Hartford, Charles Kentworthy, Viscount Finlington, Dukex of Molbury, Mr. Angelino Bowles, Lord and Lady Kensley, Mr. Fenshaw, Julia Hearst, Miss Lydia Cartright, Miss Lizzy Worcester

Rating: 8.5/10

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