A review by ollie_again
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

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:

“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.”
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