First one: “The Girl That My Mother Is Leaving Me For” by Cameron Reed. Another clone romance story, with lots of domesticity and a trans POV character. I just couldn't engage. Your mileage may vary.
Next, The Millay Illusion by Sarah Pinsker. I recall bouncing off of a story by her about cowpersons hunting escaped hippos in I believe the late 1800s, and this is also a period piece, with Victorian magicians, so I'm starting to mentally file her away as that person who writes adventuresome Victorian-era stories with gender exploration. This one has a girl dressing as a boy for a magic act, and I thought the character was cool but then the narrative turned mostly infodump about magic acts and my engagement checked out. It's not bad, just not for me.
And finally, “When He Calls Your Name” by Catherynne M. Valente. I read the first couple paragraphs, instantly thought "is she riffing on _____?" Started skimming and at approximately 1/3 of the way in, there it was. Yup, saw that coming. Okay dad, nice job, I'm gonna wander back to Carl for a while. Maybe it'll surprise you.
This leaves only the Martha Wells story, which costs money (as if!!) so I will wait for the voter packet before finishing with the novelette category.
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