Extremely well-written with just the right content, this story knows exactly what tropes to cherry pick and just the right ways to flavour them.  The tone is witty and thoroughly enjoyable, as are the characters, and the historical setting is done very well. It was longer than I expected, in the best way.

With the trans lead, the story walks a fine balance between historical accuracy and suspension of eroticism in a way that I think would please readers who enjoy both forms of trans literature. Roger's life and worries as a period-set trans man is mentioned & represented, but is left unbothered about it, which set a very good tone to the piece and was very appreciated by me. It's a surprise that, in his own words, I would describe as "often enjoyed, but rarely expected."