Gorgeous histrom with maybe too many bikes
4.5 stars rounded up. I absolutely loved this. It’s a gorgeous queer romance between two actually pretty straight characters and it’s an interesting and different dynamic from other romances I’ve read. I loved the exploration of Kit coming to terms with his previous life and what it means for him to be a man who used to be a girl. I do wish that Muriel’s sexuality had been explored a little more— it’s sort of touched on that she’s only interested in Kit. The commentary on gender roles in almost every facet of the story WORKS. I also loved the wonderful male/female friendships in this book, which— aside from Muriel’s misconceptions about Lucy— is almost never commented on or treated as odd. Also the side romance between James and Thomas might actually need to be its own book? My one big quibble was I did find all the bicycle shenanigans somewhat distracting from the rest of the story. I needed more explanations or it to be less of a plot point, probably.
M
Melinda Greathouse
August 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
A Shore Thing was a charming, queer historical romance with a trans MMC. This book started a bit slow for me, but once it got going, I was invested.
I loved that Kit’s transness wasn’t the major conflict between the couple. The conflict was largely the same as any histrom, and I really appreciated that in this story. When Kit revealed his past to Muriel, her reaction felt real and genuine.
I also felt that the sex scenes between the couple were beautifully written and handled with care and respect.
Aside from beginning slowly, I admittedly wasn’t drawn in by the cycling plot. Aside from that, I found this book to be a delightful read, and I recommend it highly.
What a lovely romance, set in England in the 1930s, celebrating all kinds of love—the love of chosen family, of comrades for justice, of nature and art and sport, queer love, and romantic love. I learned a lot about the 1930s—bathing machines, safety bikes, and sociables. But at it’s core, it’s a story of acceptance. Learning to receive love and to love our selves in all our bits and bobs. Well done!
K
Kimberly Elizabeth
March 27, 2025
Verified Purchase
One of the best romances I’ve ever read
This was a beautiful, delightful, special book and I loved it dearly. I would pay so much money for a sequel. Kit and Muriel could not have been more perfect together. Joanna Lowell’s writing made me feel like I was falling in love with both of them. It was magic.
M
Molly H | @letmollyread
June 20, 2024
Queer love in Victorian times
Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for my gifted listening copy of A Shore Thing!
Botanist Muriel Pendrake is on the hunt for both seaweed specimens and an artist to commission for illustrations. While she finds both on St. Ives, Kit Griffith is hesitant to accept her commission. Kit is a former painter and reformed rake who has come to Cornwall to live freely. He understood that leaving his Sisterhood of artists might mean giving up art forever, but he has found contentment in his bicycle shop. But when he was in need of a woman to ride along and prove to an all-male cycling club that women can ride just as well as men, and when Muriel was determined to fill that role only if he would also take the art commission, the choice seemed impossible to fight. As Muriel and Kit cycle through the summer sun, they each have a chance at a new beginning, despite secrets from their pasts and unknown futures.
This is a slowburn romance that sometimes felt a little too slow plot-wise but with excellent character development. I loved the setting so much, and the audio narration was wonderful! This queer Victorian romance seamlessly blended politics of the time with a fictional story and I loved that!
