A Lady For a Duke: a swoonworthy historical romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material

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And yes, I did feel that the story regarding Gracewood's sister and her coming out into society took more of a precedent to the actual romance of the story. But, after reading the author's note, I can understand why Alexis Hall chose to write it as such; there was definitely potential for further stories for each of the characters, and I'm curious to see which one he will settle on. Amberglass - he was definitely...something. 😠 Eagerly looking forward to more fresh stories in the historical romance canon to join this one on the shelves. The characters in A Lady For a Duke are all beautifully drawn. Viola is an instantly sympathetic protagonist who makes for a wonderful heroine. Her reaction at finding Gracewood still devastated by her “death” years later is heartbreaking, particularly when she struggles with whether to tell him that she is the friend he lost. You root for her instantly, wanting her to find happiness and joy in a world that deprives her of it. Gracewood is, without a doubt, one of the best leading men in recent memory. He is best described as a combination of Rochester from Jane Eyre and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, but he is so unique that it almost does him a disservice to make the comparison at all. The scenes from his perspective that delve more deeply into his PTSD and the lingering effects of his war wounds were some of the strongest scenes in the whole novel.

I found myself profoundly moved by the relationship between these two characters, which will come as no surprise at this point to anyone reading this. Their relationship felt inevitable, with a quality of kismet that made them read like the most perfect of soulmates. The relationship between Viola and Justin truly is one of the most romantic love stories I’ve read in a long while, and I relished every single second of their friendship and courtship, loving the way they carved a HEA for themselves in a world that would generally not permit such. This book also has disability representation as Gracewood has a leg injury from the war that affects his day to day life, but he doesn't want to be pitied or defined by his disability even if it has changed him in certain ways. But Viola's new ability to explore life as her true womanly self has opened up yet another wrinkle when it comes to Gracewood: she can no longer ignore the fact that her feelings for him are considerably more than friendly. And the biggest, most dangerous moment in the book? Has NOTHING to do with their romance. And yet their romance AND their childhood friendship play a part in bringing about the expected happy ending.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. Viola is thrust into Gracewood's world once more. Reluctantly, she befriends the duke and she is both relieved and disappointed that he doesn't recognize her immediately. Their chemistry is so raw and natural, it's absolutely hypnotic. The bond they've had before is still so strong, giving birth to the most delicious period of longing I have ever read. The angst and pain are practically seeping through the words, it's so heartbreaking but yet so beautiful to witness. Gracewood's acceptance and love is so pure that you can't possibly not fall in love with him. I listened to an audiobook which was Narrated by Kay Eluvian. What a wonderful performance. From depression to joy and every emotion in-between, plus young children to adults, the vocalizing is clear, gripping and engulfing. I did speed this up to 1.5 for conversational comfort.

I worried that Viola’s past identity would play a negative, possibly prolonged role between her renewed relationship with the Duke, but readers must rest assured that the Duke’s awareness comes early and his feelings only grow stronger and more devoted with the realisation of what Viola’s life experiences have been, before and after the war.Delightful trans historical romance, written very specifically to not centre the conflict on the heroine's transness. It starts off quite angsty anyway as the hero is deeply traumatised by his war experiences as well as his bereavement, and there's a meaty clash between Gracewood's entirely justified anger that he was let believe his only friend was dead, and Viola's equally justified reasons for restarting her life. (I really appreciate romances that face head on that sometimes there isn't a single right course of action, and that people's rights and needs sometimes come into direct conflict.) I think the concepts, representation, and emotional journeys were all top tier. I laughed out loud a lot and absolutely loved the side characters with all of my soul. But I must say, the actual plot and pacing were dull by comparison. Absurdly funny and swoonily romantic, with a sharp edge of wit and observation that keeps the story bounding along’– KJ Charles, author of A Charm of Magpies series

I love you. I have, in some form, for as long as I’ve known you. You are my joy and my truth and my heart and my dreams. You are the best of me.”The article I have taken much of the information and quotes from discusses d’Eon’s life with the author of the biography Monsieur d'Eon Is a Woman: A Tale of Political Intrigue and Sexual Masquerade. The biographer views d’Eon’s transition as seemingly as much—or possibly more—having to do with d’Eon’s religiosity as gender. In the article this is attributed to d’Eon’s discussion of this transition, as a “conversion from bad boy to good girl”. While I have far less context than the biographer, this proclamation sounds somewhat complementary to modern trans narratives I have heard—that one was ‘bad’ at presenting and fulfilling all the aspects of their gender assigned at birth, and there is a specific rightness to the gender they identify as. Viola somewhat echoed this sentiment as well—not that she ever considered herself a man or ever refers to herself as such, but in the manner she refers to her life before her transition; “You loved a phantasm… Someone who wasn’t there”. Although Viola’s insistence in her womanhood in the face of confusion or questioning is more stalwart, it has echoes of d’Eon’s insistence at being born a woman. Viola says “I was born Lord Marleigh, but I am Viola Carroll… I am—I have always been a woman. I feel as a woman. I desire as a woman. I… I could not bear being thought otherwise”. Like I said before I loved the characters, main and side, but this book struggled to hold my interest for long periods of time. And I think it could have been a lot shorter than it was. Definitely a conflict, and frankly a good one to have as again, the fact that this book is here at all on the bookshelves in the store is a wonderful thing. I'm glad this book exists and that I can quibble over its issues—but as a reviewer I do still need to highlight them.

And that epilogue was just 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 - too adorable, too sweet - and a most satisfying ending to have ever ended. There is so much love in that one scene alone that I was 🫠🫠🫠. This is a beautiful and unique take at a second chance slow-burn romance that ended on such a high note that just your heart sighing in happiness. Viola Carroll is the heroine of this book. A trans heroine. And while this particular characteristic is so perfectly portrayed and used throughout the book, it is not the main focus of it. From the bestselling author of Husband Material comes a lush, sweeping queer historical romance where sparks fly between childhood friends after a life-changing separation—perfect for fans of Bridgerton , Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas!​ Alexis Hall produces the most unique and thought provoking relationships in his novels, and he’s just completely elevated the bar with A Lady for a Duke. Way more than simply a beautiful friends-to-lovers romance, Mr. Hall delivers a profound look at gender roles, and explores how physical perception affects the relationship between these two characters.There are only a few books in my life that I have reached the end of, closed, and immediately wanted to read again. A Lady For a Duke joins that list, and the second read is just as rich and gorgeous as the first. A swoon-worthy and touching queer romance, this novel is one to be savored.