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emmehooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Grief, Drug use, Addiction, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia, Kidnapping, Violence, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Lesbophobia, and Death of parent
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I feel the need to mention the superb open door sex scene in this. It felt so necessary and tender, and to be able to see Viola experience the care and joy inherent in physical pleasure as well as Gracewood’s beautiful open-mindedness was a privilege. They both deserved to experience the joy of their bodies, just as they are. It’s just a sex scene but it goes a long way towards normalizing all kinds of physical pleasure for all kinds of bodies and I am so glad it is there.
The only gripe I have is the last plot point in this long book felt a little tacked on. I would have been satisfied with more focus on Viola and Gracewood. Nonetheless, a wonder of a book.
Graphic: Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Sexual content, Gun violence, War, Death, Drug use, Murder, Physical abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Classism, Drug abuse, Grief, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
leonalikesliterature's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought the writing was very respectful about Viola’s transgender identity and never made it a point of conflict, although it was relevant to her character, it was not a sense of tension for the romance or story.
The romance was good. I loved their relationship and the banter was exquisite. The dialogue was written so well and with such consideration. All the side characters were also important and necessary to the development of the story.
The author navigated the era’s gender and social issues with such consideration and nuance. It was such a refreshing and enlightening take. It was so well written and truly beautiful. I would reread and recommend it!
Moderate: Deadnaming, Mental illness, Kidnapping, War, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Drug use, Sexual content, and Addiction
blewballoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Minor: Ableism, Alcohol, Deadnaming, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Classism, Drug use, War, Cursing, Drug abuse, and Misogyny
atisha27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Minor: War and Violence
alexcooper88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, War, and Addiction
Moderate: Deadnaming
Minor: Kidnapping and Death of parent
fuzzyfairy's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Sexism, Misogyny, Drug use, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Classism, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, War, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Infidelity, Homophobia, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, Murder, Mental illness, and Blood
jessie_h's review against another edition
5.0
I'm becoming more and more convinced that Alexis Hall can write anything they want and will make it totally fabulous. This book was no different. The amount of heart and vulnerability in this story is both astounding and beautiful. I was a bit worried that this would be really angsty given the premise. But while Viola is worried about being judged for choosing to live as her most authentic self, it wasn't the whole plot of the book and I can't tell you how much I appreciated that. There are still some heavy topics discussed in this book and some angst but it was so perfectly balanced out with sweetness and joy. It was heartwarming that everyone who Viola came out to not only accepted her but supported her so fully in her quest to live the life she was meant to.
Viola and Gracewood are war veterans and we see how that has affected them. Gracewood was shot in the leg and has to use a cane for the rest of his life. He also suffers quite severely from PTSD. I am grateful that the author didn't gloss over or minimize those affects like I have seen in several of the Regency romances over the years. Viola does not have PTSD in the same way that Gracewood does but how her actions and choices in the war haunt her is never seen as being less than his trauma.
The romance between Viola and Gracewood was everything! This book is a master class in how to write a romance novel. I saw it described in someone's review that described this romance as a second chance at first love which is a wonderfully apt description. The romance is full of instant attraction but manages to still be a slow burn and very intimate and tender. Watching Viola and Gracewood discover that there is so much more to the other that they didn't know was *chef's kiss*. They aren't perfect but they are perfect for one another. I adored watching them fall in love so much!
It was mentioned in the author's note that this could be the beginning of a new series and I really really hope it is! I loved so many of the secondary characters! And I cannot tell you how much I need a Mira book and a Lady Lilimere book in my life! I can't recommend A Lady for a Duke enough! If you want to read a truly unique and well-written queer historical romance, this is the book for you.
*ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley and this review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Transphobia, Grief, and War
Moderate: Kidnapping, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
ladythana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Deadnaming and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Transphobia, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Confinement, Addiction, Child abuse, Sexual content, Mental illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment, Ableism, and Confinement
levesc17's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, and Dysphoria
Moderate: War, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Deadnaming
Minor: Alcoholism