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urlocalhethey's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
OH MY LORD THIS BOOK WENT SO FAR ABOVE ANY EXPECTATIONS I HAD FOR IT. There are so many reasons this book is so important to me. I was fully prepared for there to be some transphobic conversations with Gracewood before they had sex but this man just wants to get pegged. It was so refreshing to see a trans woman be loved and appreciated wholly and without trepidation and accusations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Deadnaming, Drug abuse, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Dysphoria, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
levesc17's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
It was an emotional release to read this book - friends to lovers is divinely done!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, and Dysphoria
Moderate: War, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Deadnaming
Minor: Alcoholism
wanderingtales's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, War, and Addiction
Moderate: Violence, Medical trauma, Dysphoria, Death, Ableism, War, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Classism
ollie_again's review against another edition
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
Wow, this was so good! This is my first book by Alexis Hall and it definitely won't be the last. This was emotional, funny, heartwarming and hopeful with a dash of adventure and drama. Both Viola and Gracewood stole my heart and I was rooting for them pretty much from the very beginning. I love historical romances in general but this one is one of the few that wouldn't let me put it down. I read the whole thing in two sittings and I just wished there was more. (And though I generally don't care or like epilogues in romances, here I devoured it and asked for seconds.
The author said in the acknowledgement that the intention of the book was to tell a story of a transgender woman in a historical setting while not making it the conflict of the main story, which I think is accomplished amazingly. It was... I mean, this book was everything. My favourite quote bellow:
The author said in the acknowledgement that the intention of the book was to tell a story of a transgender woman in a historical setting while not making it the conflict of the main story, which I think is accomplished amazingly. It was... I mean, this book was everything. My favourite quote bellow:
“I know madness, and this is not it. A word from you, a glance, and I would lay all I have—all I am, or at the very least what’s left of me—at your feet. And someday, when you are ready to hear me, and to trust me, I shall, and then you can have me, or not, as it pleases you.”
“I could never marry you, Gracewood. The world—”
“Forgive my language, but”—his eyes were as steady on hers as the clasp upon her wrist, his mouth suddenly full of smiles—“fuck the world. I will change it for you if I have to.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Child abuse and Dysphoria
boglord's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Dysphoria, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Addiction, Classism, Cursing, Deadnaming, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, War, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Lesbophobia, Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Blood, and Infidelity
kelsey6's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was a beautiful, creative, emotional, and fun book. I loved the main characters instantly and shed many tears while their relationship developed! As soon as I finished I wanted to read it all over again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, War, and Drug abuse
Minor: Kidnapping and Dysphoria
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, Dysphoria, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
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: War, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Drug abuse, and Addiction
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Transphobia and Dysphoria
traeumenvonbuechern's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
- 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
[An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
CN: misgendering (in the past tense), deadnaming (in the form of surname and title), references to suicidal ideation, references to drug and alcohol abuse, internalized ableism, descriptions of PTSD and chronic pain, panic attack (on page), vomit, some references to dysphoria, sexual content (on page; graphic), mentions of dead parents (one of whom died as a result of childbirth), mentions of past child abuse (physical, emotional, psychological), abduction of a secondary character, threats of violence involving a gun and sword
The official content guidance can be found here: https://quicunquevult.com/book/lady-for-a-duke/
I don’t even have the words to describe how stunning this book is. “A Lady for a Duke” is one of my new favorite books of all time, and even though I just finished it a few days ago, I already want to re-read it.
This book has:
- an amazing trans heroine
- a grieving duke
- a childhood-friends-to-lovers second chance romance
- disability representation
- beautiful writing
- Alexis Hall’s signature humor
- so much yearning
- found family
- sapphic side characters
“A Lady for a Duke” made me laugh, cry and wish for my own Gracewood. I’m obsessed with this book, and I can’t wait for more people to read it. Even if you don’t usually read historical romances, give this one a try. You won’t regret it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug abuse and Addiction
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Deadnaming, and Dysphoria
perpetualpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
CWs: descriptions of PTSD and chronic pain; instances of deadnaming/misgendering (in the past tense); some references to dysphoria; brief mentions of suicide ideation; some exploration of drug addiction; references to past abuse; some misogyny; and explicit sexual content
Rep: Viola is a trans woman who passes in society; and Gracewood is a former soldier disabled by the war who uses a mobility aid, experiences chronic pain, and is contending with both PTSD and related drug dependency
The perfect historical romance does exist, and Alexis Hall has not only proven that but achieved that with flying colors in this truly unforgettable book.
This book ruined me. It absolutely eviscerated my emotions and left a permanent mark on my soul, which will be forever changed just by knowing that this book exists. At the time of writing this review, I read this over a month ago, and just the thought of it will still stop me in my tracks and make my heart clench in the best/worst possible way.
This historical romance gave me joy, gave my life, gave me purpose. It is an incredibly tender, slow-burn romance that is the absolute *epitome* of queer yearning, and it is the ultimate second chance romance. There *is* no greater second chance than essentially coming back from the dead to win over your best friend and first love.
I think what makes this romance so incredibly striking is the fact that being together allows both Gracewood and Viola to process their grief, and they’re both grieving completely different things. Viola is grieving both the person she was wrongfully raised to be along with the womanhood she was never fully invited into or allowed to embrace. Gracewood, on the other hand, is not only coming to terms with the fact that he was grieving someone who was never actually lost, but he’s also grieving the past version of himself that was stronger, more independent, and more able-bodied—because that's how he's been taught to define his masculinity and because the world has conditioned him to place value in those things.
In many ways, both of these characters are haunted by those past versions of themselves and they’re still learning how to accept themselves for who they are *now*, even if those new versions of themselves come with obstacles or hardships. Through healing together and being with one another, they are slowly learning that the people they are now are fully capable and worthy of love.
On the subject of representation, there is so much care and nuance put into how the other characters process and hold space for Viola's transness. To be explicitly clear, that doesn't mean that everyone reacts "the right way," or that every character easily and automatically understands or accepts Viola's transness, but it *does* mean that Viola is given ample opportunity to express herself, her feelings, and her needs in a way that’s very thoughtful and direct.
I also really appreciate how this historical romance doesn’t shy away from the fact that Viola’s womanhood inherently changes the dynamic of her friendship with Gracewood, specifically in how they carry themselves in society and have to take different rules of propriety into account. As a woman, Viola cannot occupy those same spaces that she and Gracewood used to frequent in their youth. She can’t go into gentleman’s clubs, or bars, they can’t go riding or hunting together, and it could even be taboo for them to associate in public without a chaperone. There’s all these societal rules for how they conduct themselves as people of two different genders, which is not inherently a “bad thing,” but it is new and different.
The story is also very mindful of how Viola is still learning how to navigate those new spaces, how she still doesn’t really know what she should wear, how she should conduct herself, what’s "polite" for a woman to say, or even how to take up "womanly" activities like arts, tea service, or being a hostess. Again, there's no judgment value placed on these new endeavors that Viola has to take on, but simply an acknowledgement that this shift in priorities and expectations placed upon her is very much a real thing she has to learn how to balance.
What’s more, the banter and the dialogue in this story is just top notch. Alexis Hall was born to write regency-era banter, and he knows exactly the right words for his romantic leads to say that will absolutely tear your heart *asunder.* There is such an earnestness and lack of pretense between Viola and Gracewood that makes space for so many tender, heart-wrenching interactions and exchanges that will just leave the reader breathless with their clarity and urgency. The amount of quotes in this book that sent me reeling are just beyond measure, and the level of devotion the characters are constantly expressing to each other is simply unfair to every other romance book in existence.
Additionally, that aspect of Gracewood unknowingly grieving with the very same person who unintentionally caused that grief in the first place is a romantic dynamic that I never knew I needed in my life. But it is *so* incredibly good. It is so good and so cathartic to see these characters find their way back to each other and heal each other in a way that is so incredibly earnest and powerful.
If I have not sold you on this book with all that I've said so far, then frankly I never will. If you want to feel something deep in the dredges of your heart, you have to get yourself to a copy of this book by any means necessary as soon as humanly possible. As cliché as it may be to say, this is one of those stories that will make you believe in love and give you a reason to hope. I truly cherished every single second that I got to spend with this incredible story. It is one of my all-time favorite books now, and if any part of this review connects with you, I'm sure it will also become one of yours in no time at all.
Rep: Viola is a trans woman who passes in society; and Gracewood is a former soldier disabled by the war who uses a mobility aid, experiences chronic pain, and is contending with both PTSD and related drug dependency
The perfect historical romance does exist, and Alexis Hall has not only proven that but achieved that with flying colors in this truly unforgettable book.
This book ruined me. It absolutely eviscerated my emotions and left a permanent mark on my soul, which will be forever changed just by knowing that this book exists. At the time of writing this review, I read this over a month ago, and just the thought of it will still stop me in my tracks and make my heart clench in the best/worst possible way.
This historical romance gave me joy, gave my life, gave me purpose. It is an incredibly tender, slow-burn romance that is the absolute *epitome* of queer yearning, and it is the ultimate second chance romance. There *is* no greater second chance than essentially coming back from the dead to win over your best friend and first love.
I think what makes this romance so incredibly striking is the fact that being together allows both Gracewood and Viola to process their grief, and they’re both grieving completely different things. Viola is grieving both the person she was wrongfully raised to be along with the womanhood she was never fully invited into or allowed to embrace. Gracewood, on the other hand, is not only coming to terms with the fact that he was grieving someone who was never actually lost, but he’s also grieving the past version of himself that was stronger, more independent, and more able-bodied—because that's how he's been taught to define his masculinity and because the world has conditioned him to place value in those things.
In many ways, both of these characters are haunted by those past versions of themselves and they’re still learning how to accept themselves for who they are *now*, even if those new versions of themselves come with obstacles or hardships. Through healing together and being with one another, they are slowly learning that the people they are now are fully capable and worthy of love.
On the subject of representation, there is so much care and nuance put into how the other characters process and hold space for Viola's transness. To be explicitly clear, that doesn't mean that everyone reacts "the right way," or that every character easily and automatically understands or accepts Viola's transness, but it *does* mean that Viola is given ample opportunity to express herself, her feelings, and her needs in a way that’s very thoughtful and direct.
I also really appreciate how this historical romance doesn’t shy away from the fact that Viola’s womanhood inherently changes the dynamic of her friendship with Gracewood, specifically in how they carry themselves in society and have to take different rules of propriety into account. As a woman, Viola cannot occupy those same spaces that she and Gracewood used to frequent in their youth. She can’t go into gentleman’s clubs, or bars, they can’t go riding or hunting together, and it could even be taboo for them to associate in public without a chaperone. There’s all these societal rules for how they conduct themselves as people of two different genders, which is not inherently a “bad thing,” but it is new and different.
The story is also very mindful of how Viola is still learning how to navigate those new spaces, how she still doesn’t really know what she should wear, how she should conduct herself, what’s "polite" for a woman to say, or even how to take up "womanly" activities like arts, tea service, or being a hostess. Again, there's no judgment value placed on these new endeavors that Viola has to take on, but simply an acknowledgement that this shift in priorities and expectations placed upon her is very much a real thing she has to learn how to balance.
What’s more, the banter and the dialogue in this story is just top notch. Alexis Hall was born to write regency-era banter, and he knows exactly the right words for his romantic leads to say that will absolutely tear your heart *asunder.* There is such an earnestness and lack of pretense between Viola and Gracewood that makes space for so many tender, heart-wrenching interactions and exchanges that will just leave the reader breathless with their clarity and urgency. The amount of quotes in this book that sent me reeling are just beyond measure, and the level of devotion the characters are constantly expressing to each other is simply unfair to every other romance book in existence.
Additionally, that aspect of Gracewood unknowingly grieving with the very same person who unintentionally caused that grief in the first place is a romantic dynamic that I never knew I needed in my life. But it is *so* incredibly good. It is so good and so cathartic to see these characters find their way back to each other and heal each other in a way that is so incredibly earnest and powerful.
If I have not sold you on this book with all that I've said so far, then frankly I never will. If you want to feel something deep in the dredges of your heart, you have to get yourself to a copy of this book by any means necessary as soon as humanly possible. As cliché as it may be to say, this is one of those stories that will make you believe in love and give you a reason to hope. I truly cherished every single second that I got to spend with this incredible story. It is one of my all-time favorite books now, and if any part of this review connects with you, I'm sure it will also become one of yours in no time at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Deadnaming and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug abuse, Dysphoria, Child abuse, and Suicidal thoughts