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laura_mcloughlin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- 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
Just a lovely book.
The heroine is trans and she gets her HEA and it is wonderful. And even better, the fact that she is trans is not even the central conflict of the story (it does lead to a little bit of conflict since the duke in the title is her best friend and has assumed she had died at Waterloo but it is very quickly and nicely resolved).
The heroine is trans and she gets her HEA and it is wonderful. And even better, the fact that she is trans is not even the central conflict of the story (it does lead to a little bit of conflict since the duke in the title is her best friend and has assumed she had died at Waterloo but it is very quickly and nicely resolved).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Deadnaming
anxiousnachos's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
*Lovely* is one of the only words I can think of to capture the essence of this book. Prose is gorgeous and rich and evocative and everything you want in a historical romance, and the romance itself is absolutely beautiful. Their love for each other is so wonderful to read about. But it did get so bogged down in the middle (the book is *long* as well, which probably didn’t help this feeling) so the pacing just felt a bit off and it was a bit of a struggle to muddle through all of the middle section focusing on Mira to reach the content on either end of the book that focused more on Viola and Gracewood and their relationship. But a truly wonderful book!
Content warnings: misgendering and deadnaming (references to Viola’s past pronouns and name by those who knew her before and don’t know she has transitioned), grief, war, PTSD, suicidal ideation, addiction, kidnapping, sex, chronic pain, ableist language
Content warnings: misgendering and deadnaming (references to Viola’s past pronouns and name by those who knew her before and don’t know she has transitioned), grief, war, PTSD, suicidal ideation, addiction, kidnapping, sex, chronic pain, ableist language
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, and War
moonytoast's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
coming at this book from the perspective of someone who has basically read little to no historical romance (outside of my appreciation of jane austen's works) is interesting, but this has made me feel compelled to read not just alexis hall's backlist but also more queer historical romance novels!
i absolutely fell in love with the characters of viola and gracewood. i think hall did a great job of building out their prior friendship and also their own respective traumas. their chemistry upon reconnecting is so intimate and has the kind of easy kinship that i really love to see in romance stories, but it's also distinctly different from the dynamic viola and gracewood had before the war. friends to lovers tends to be a hit or miss trope for me, but this really sold me on it because there's still a significant journey that these characters go through before they actually reach the lovers part of the trope.
the side characters were also a fun time! louise and badger eavesdropping on viola and gracewood by hiding behind a plant and then interrupting their conversation, miranda going to a costume party dressed as frankenstein's monster.... i love them your honor!!!!!
the last 100 pages kinda went on a wild journey and i definitely knew something was going to happen, but wow. my brain was just like: OMG we're getting a swordfight in a brothel between viola and amberglass??????? OKAY IDK WHAT'S GOING ON BUT I'M HERE FOR IT! i blame my general lack of experience with historical romance and also the fact i am currently hopped up on medication for the worst sinus infection i've ever had in my life, but i was not prepared for that.
overall this is definitely primed to become a favorite comfort read of mine so i might eventually change this to five stars upon a re-read, but it's still absolutely lovely the first time around!
i absolutely fell in love with the characters of viola and gracewood. i think hall did a great job of building out their prior friendship and also their own respective traumas. their chemistry upon reconnecting is so intimate and has the kind of easy kinship that i really love to see in romance stories, but it's also distinctly different from the dynamic viola and gracewood had before the war. friends to lovers tends to be a hit or miss trope for me, but this really sold me on it because there's still a significant journey that these characters go through before they actually reach the lovers part of the trope.
the side characters were also a fun time! louise and badger eavesdropping on viola and gracewood by hiding behind a plant and then interrupting their conversation, miranda going to a costume party dressed as frankenstein's monster.... i love them your honor!!!!!
the last 100 pages kinda went on a wild journey and i definitely knew something was going to happen, but wow. my brain was just like: OMG we're getting a swordfight in a brothel between viola and amberglass??????? OKAY IDK WHAT'S GOING ON BUT I'M HERE FOR IT! i blame my general lack of experience with historical romance and also the fact i am currently hopped up on medication for the worst sinus infection i've ever had in my life, but i was not prepared for that.
overall this is definitely primed to become a favorite comfort read of mine so i might eventually change this to five stars upon a re-read, but it's still absolutely lovely the first time around!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, and War
Minor: Sexism, Transphobia, Violence, and Kidnapping
thefatpaperback's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Childhood friends to lovers historical romance with trans heroine and disabled hero. This book was beautiful. It’s the only word that fits. The story is beautiful, the characters are beautiful, their love is beautiful, and the epilogue is beautiful. It’s got sorrowful moments and silly moments, but all-in-all, it’s a beauty to read and experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Deadnaming, Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Infertility, Violence, and War
Minor: Child abuse, Misogyny, Transphobia, Death of parent, and Classism
penguinsquack's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Pegging 👀
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Grief, and Dysphoria
headinthepages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
cominguproses's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
<i> ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Forever Publishing for the opportunity to do so!</i>
<b>Summary</b>
After nearly dying in the Battle of Waterloo, Viola is given a chance to let who she was die and emerge anew as her true self. However, she finds that her oldest and dearest friend has fallen into the pitfalls of grief thinking that she is dead. Through friendship and love, the two find their way through society and back to one another.
<b>Review (Light spoilers, so be warned)</b>
Overall, I really liked this book. I've rarely come across a romance-never mind a regency era/period piece romance-with a transgender character that doesn't center their trans identity as the main conflict of the story. Viola being a trans woman is a portion of this story, yes, but it is by no means the focal point of the plot or the only defining characteristic she has. I think Hall did an amazing job executing this. Gracewood, Viola's friend and love interest (and other main character), also has an amazing character arc that sings true to the struggles of grief and PTSD. While it does take until the 50-60% mark to begin their relationship, the two of them are absolutely adorable together. All of the main supporting characters are amazing as well, and there is plenty of funny banter to go around.
My only complaint about this book is that it is very slow-paced, and the language tends to drag on from time to time. However, I cannot stress enough that this is merely personal preference-this is very typical for a regency-era romance, and those who are well versed in the genre will likely not bat an eye at it. Nevertheless, I like my romances slightly faster-paced, but that is just me!
<b>Conclusion</b>
I give this book 4/5 stars - the transfeminine representation is absolutely outstanding and unlike anything I have read before. While I do like them from time to time, I've grown weary of reading stories of queer characters being persecuted for or otherwise struggling with their identity. It's so refreshing to have a story where the representation is there but is not a major point of conflict. I want happy LGBTQ+ characters!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes regency-era romances and/or anyone who is looking for a good queer romance. For the latter, be aware that it is a bit slow/has flowery, period-typical language, but is overall an amazing story!
<b>Summary</b>
After nearly dying in the Battle of Waterloo, Viola is given a chance to let who she was die and emerge anew as her true self. However, she finds that her oldest and dearest friend has fallen into the pitfalls of grief thinking that she is dead. Through friendship and love, the two find their way through society and back to one another.
<b>Review (Light spoilers, so be warned)</b>
Overall, I really liked this book. I've rarely come across a romance-never mind a regency era/period piece romance-with a transgender character that doesn't center their trans identity as the main conflict of the story. Viola being a trans woman is a portion of this story, yes, but it is by no means the focal point of the plot or the only defining characteristic she has. I think Hall did an amazing job executing this. Gracewood, Viola's friend and love interest (and other main character), also has an amazing character arc that sings true to the struggles of grief and PTSD. While it does take until the 50-60% mark to begin their relationship, the two of them are absolutely adorable together. All of the main supporting characters are amazing as well, and there is plenty of funny banter to go around.
My only complaint about this book is that it is very slow-paced, and the language tends to drag on from time to time. However, I cannot stress enough that this is merely personal preference-this is very typical for a regency-era romance, and those who are well versed in the genre will likely not bat an eye at it. Nevertheless, I like my romances slightly faster-paced, but that is just me!
<b>Conclusion</b>
I give this book 4/5 stars - the transfeminine representation is absolutely outstanding and unlike anything I have read before. While I do like them from time to time, I've grown weary of reading stories of queer characters being persecuted for or otherwise struggling with their identity. It's so refreshing to have a story where the representation is there but is not a major point of conflict. I want happy LGBTQ+ characters!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes regency-era romances and/or anyone who is looking for a good queer romance. For the latter, be aware that it is a bit slow/has flowery, period-typical language, but is overall an amazing story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Grief, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Transphobia and Dysphoria
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- 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
Oh, I see why everyone was raving about this! I did think maybe it was a little longer that it needed to be, but the characters were just so wonderful I didn't particularly care. Both Viola and Gracewood are dealing with grief and trauma from war and they need each other. You can tell they have such a connection right from the moment they first meet, and the way their relationship evolves throughout the story it just beautiful.
Alexis Hall has such skill when writing relationships, and I loved that this was a historical romance that is unapologetically queer. Not only is the romance between Viola and Gracewood wonderful, but we also get a colorful cast of side characters that just add to the story. The way they interacted and supported each other was wonderful, and I would definitely read another story about them! The narrator also does an excellent job bringing them all to life.
If you're fresh off Bridgerton and want another historical romance, I'd recommend this when it comes out next week!
Alexis Hall has such skill when writing relationships, and I loved that this was a historical romance that is unapologetically queer. Not only is the romance between Viola and Gracewood wonderful, but we also get a colorful cast of side characters that just add to the story. The way they interacted and supported each other was wonderful, and I would definitely read another story about them! The narrator also does an excellent job bringing them all to life.
If you're fresh off Bridgerton and want another historical romance, I'd recommend this when it comes out next week!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Deadnaming, and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Transphobia
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Out May 24, 2022 [Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]
Rating: 5/5 stars
A Lady For A Duke is a friends-to-lovers romance set in Regency-era England and featuring a trans heroine. I could say more, but really you should just read it.
I have been fortunate to be on a 5-star reading streak lately, and this book *still* managed to catapult to the top of a stacked list to become one of my favorites of the year (and maybe ever). I went into this for the trans representation in a historical romance and definitely got that, but also got so much more, including disability rep, a gorgeous friends-to-lovers story, absolutely hilarious banter, incredibly thoughtful and poignant reflections on gender/identity/ableism and more, plus a new favorite book boyfriend in Gracewood.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I also adored that the third act tension was largely external (I wish this were the case in more romances) and the epilogue was the pitch perfect amount of closure while still leaving room for a sequel/spin-off (PLEASE, I need Miranda’s story!) I was also thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and actively wished the book would just keep going so I didn’t have to leave this world and these characters. In short, this was my first Alexis Hall read but it *definitely* will not be my last.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse representation in historical romance; friends-to-lovers; dynamic supporting characters.
CW: Ableism; deadnaming; mental illness/addiction/PTSD; grief; physical disability/war injury; mentions of child abuse; kidnapping.
Rating: 5/5 stars
A Lady For A Duke is a friends-to-lovers romance set in Regency-era England and featuring a trans heroine. I could say more, but really you should just read it.
I have been fortunate to be on a 5-star reading streak lately, and this book *still* managed to catapult to the top of a stacked list to become one of my favorites of the year (and maybe ever). I went into this for the trans representation in a historical romance and definitely got that, but also got so much more, including disability rep, a gorgeous friends-to-lovers story, absolutely hilarious banter, incredibly thoughtful and poignant reflections on gender/identity/ableism and more, plus a new favorite book boyfriend in Gracewood.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I also adored that the third act tension was largely external (I wish this were the case in more romances) and the epilogue was the pitch perfect amount of closure while still leaving room for a sequel/spin-off (PLEASE, I need Miranda’s story!) I was also thoroughly entertained from beginning to end, and actively wished the book would just keep going so I didn’t have to leave this world and these characters. In short, this was my first Alexis Hall read but it *definitely* will not be my last.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse representation in historical romance; friends-to-lovers; dynamic supporting characters.
CW: Ableism; deadnaming; mental illness/addiction/PTSD; grief; physical disability/war injury; mentions of child abuse; kidnapping.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Deadnaming, Transphobia, Grief, Abandonment, War, and Classism
bookishfaye's review against another edition
medium-paced
- 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? N/A
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC to read for review!
A Lady for A Duke made me stop and clutch my chest while staring at my roof squealing all giddy, multiple times. The Trans & lgbtq+ rep in here was so beautifully done, & multiple quotes in here about trans-ness brought tears to my eyes. The slow burn yearning in this book 👀👀👀 y’all aren’t ready!!!!
My only issue with this book is that at times it felt quite long and repetitive, and there was a subplot centred around the sister of the love interest that I almost wish did not occur?? I would have loved if that time was spent on the main 2 characters, or just chopped down to less because not enough character building happened with her to make me invested in her story. However, her character did remind me a tad of Eloise from Bridgerton & a potential sequel/spin-off around her could be interesting!!
A Lady for A Duke made me stop and clutch my chest while staring at my roof squealing all giddy, multiple times. The Trans & lgbtq+ rep in here was so beautifully done, & multiple quotes in here about trans-ness brought tears to my eyes. The slow burn yearning in this book 👀👀👀 y’all aren’t ready!!!!
My only issue with this book is that at times it felt quite long and repetitive, and there was a subplot centred around the sister of the love interest that I almost wish did not occur?? I would have loved if that time was spent on the main 2 characters, or just chopped down to less because not enough character building happened with her to make me invested in her story. However, her character did remind me a tad of Eloise from Bridgerton & a potential sequel/spin-off around her could be interesting!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Infertility, Mental illness, Sexual content, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: War