All the angst and longing and eventual pay off my little heart could desire. I think this is perfect for fans of soft, atmospheric regency/historical romances, who don't often have a chance to see themselves reflected in those genres.

I really liked the PTSD/disability rep in this, too! I think it was handled really well and did a great job of conveying the disorder without having the language to do so in 1818..

Overall, just really well done and thoughtful. I loved Viola and Gracewood, and this made me want to go to the sea.

Alexis Hall does it again! I have always loved her contemporary romance novels but after reading Something Fabulous earlier this year I was so excited to get my hands on A Lady for a Duke. This is a beautiful story of childhood friends, trans identity, queer love, and ultimately true love succeeding. I will admit that I was expecting a little more comedy after her last foray into historical romance but where this story lacked in laughs it made up for an absolute heartwarming vulnerability. Additionally I think Alexis Hall might have written the most beautiful line in recent history, “It felt too much like tenderness and left him almost as much relieved as longing when she finally stepped away. How did you bear something so wondrous? How did you live without it?” I literally gasped when reading! What a beautiful sentiment. As always I recommend everything Alexis Hall and I was so moved by her newest book!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The very short of it is that I absolutely love this book. I'm not entirely sure what I expected from this book, I was a little hesitant on how it would all pull together, except I know that Alexis Hall has never dissapointed me before, and so I trusted that he would have it well in hand and that it would all come together. It did. It really, really did. I have burned before on Historical romance and bad takes, but I never should have doubted. Hall creates characters that you are almost immediately invested in and from the jump I knew that Viola and Gracewood were endgame and it was just a matter of how they would get there.

Hall does something that I deeply appreciate with this book- Viola's gender is key to the story, and key to her growth as a person and key to her relationship with Gracewood. The fact that it was something that wasn't spoken about at that time in history is made clear, but, and this is where Hall nails it- Viola's gender is not treated as the big bad in the plot. It's a concern in so much as she is worried about how it will impact her closes relationships, but at the end of the day the people who love her, love her. Their hurt comes primarily from the fact that she felt that she couldn't tell them, that they had given her any reason to doubt their love and acceptance... but never for becoming who she was always meant to be. Hall weaves that internal worry that comes with the not knowing how people will react perfectly, and makes it clear that no matter what, you deserve love and acceptance.

And that message carries over to all the characters- Gracewood is suffering both mentally and physically from the things he encountered during Waterloo. He is grappling with the loss of his best friend and the loss of the man he thought he was supposed to become. At a time when he believes he needs to project strength, instead he feels hopeless and the injuries to his leg have left him feeling like he can never be the man he thinks he mist. His sister Mira is also a bit lost. She knows what she is supposed to do and be, knows that it's expected for her to find a husband and begin a family, but she's a bit odd and her wants and desires leave her a bit on the outside of traditional society. With both Gracewood and Mira Hall again reminds us that it's okay to be who you are, it's okay to not meet the expectations of those around you (especially those who do not actually care for you), and it's okay to chase your dreams even if others don't understand them. That again, no matter what, you deserve love and acceptance.

I love historical fiction and I love a good romance. This one hits both notes perfectly and I'm hoping that Hall will allow us to keep visiting with these characters- I'd love to check back in with Viola and Gracewood and their family and I woud especially love to join Mira on some adventures.

Beautifully written, Alexis Hall delivers a historical romance with signature humor and surprising depth. Hall is a writer you can’t skim because or you’ll miss the most outrageously funny quips and lines. Viola Carroll is a trans woman. Presumed dead at Waterloo, she returned to her brother and former home to live as she was meant to be. With title and wealth gone she is accepted and lives as her brother’s wife’s (Lady Marleigh) companion.

When a letter arrives Lady Marleigh insists they visit Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood out of concern for his younger sister. Gracewood is Viola’s childhood best friend. They did everything together including schooling and going to war. Gracewood is a broken man. He grieves for his friend and blames himself for his death. His own wounds are causing him to abuse laudanum and drink and he suffers PTSD. The visit helps spur him to clean up his act in hopes of giving his sister the season in London she deserves and for the chance to spend more time with Viola.

The book isn’t about transitioning, that has already happened. It is about healing and coming together. Overcoming wounds physical and mental. And of course Hall brings wonderful side characters Lady Marleigh is a hoot and Viola’s talks with her nephew Little Bartholomew stole my heart with sweetness. And the epilogue gives a true picture of an unexpected HEA. My only complaint is some parts felt long and at time repetitive. I would rate it moderate for steam factor with some kissing and one intimate scene that is loving, talkative and not graphic. This was a delight to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. (4.5 stars)

THIS BOOK!!! I was enchanted by this book from the very first page and that enchantment was present through the entire book. I have read historical romances with trans and genderqueer heroes but never one with a trans heroine. I loved that Alexis made the deliberate choice to introduce Viola post transition and not have any conflict involving her being trans. I loved that there was no deliberate misgendering (there were references to Viola’s deadname but Viola herself was never deadnamed). Having a trans heroine was fascinating because the gender roles of the time were so specific as well as the power inequality between men and women was so steep. While never a source of conflict or much discussion, the references to Viola’s prior life and the fact she gave up a title, wealth, and power to be her true self never ceased to blow me away.

I absolutely adored Gracewood. He is everything that could be asked for in a grumpy broken hero. His character was so well rounded and though out that each of his chapters felt like I was uncovering a new layer to him. I loved his love of Viola both before and after he knew who she was. His uncomfortable relationship with his sister felt so authentic and served as an interesting foil to his easy warmth with Viola. Together he and Viola truly make each other better. I loved that while it was a slow burn, this book was open door. It is important to not hide intimacy with trans characters behind doors and to treat that intimacy with the dignity it deserves, and I believe that Alexis did just that. I liked that there was additional LGBTQ representation in the book in the form of lesbian and bisexual side characters. The side characters in this book were an absolute delight, and in the case of Viola’s brother and sister-in-law the source of much hilarity. As is the case with all of Alexis’s books the humor is so cleverly woven into the story that each word must be read and appreciated. I don’t have all the words to express how much I loved this book. I would happily read another book in this world.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for digital ARC and Forever for the gifted copy.

Well Alexis Hall, you’ve done it again! Another novel that I found quite enchanting. I’m glad I went in knowing that this story wasn’t a rom com because I might have expected it to be more like Something Fabulous and MIGHT have been somewhat disappointed.
But that definitely wasn’t the case here.
A Lady For A Duke ended up being a heartfelt story that ended up going in a slightly different direction than I originally thought!
What I love most about Hall’s books are the characters themselves. I loved Viola and Gracewood as a couple. Together they are unstoppable and are perfect. The only thing that dragged a little was in the middle. I understand that Viola felt that she and Duke couldn’t realistically be together:..but, he made his feelings very clear with her so o felt the mutual pining went on a little too long and was rather needless. However, once they both got on the same page, it was SCRUMPTIOUS! And I loved how there was no further misunderstanding between them, no fights, no heartbreak. Once they were official with each other, they were SOLID and that’s what more romance couples need, I think, especially in historicals. In the end you have a beautiful slow burn with one delicious steamy yet heartfelt scene that was very much WORTH the wait. And a HEA that’s just wonderful! Well done!

finally. FINALLY a queer historical romance book with all of the tropes i love dearly. alexis hall, THANK YOU SO MUCH! a lady for a duke follows our trans protagonist viola, who after returning from war, decides to live her true life. she returns to the sphere she once lived in, and is reunited with her life long friend gracewood. after finding their way back to each-other, what ensues is a sweet, endearing, and passionate love story. and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. this book had me grinning from ear to ear, as this genuine story unravels. it was so meaningful to see a queer historical romance be so impactful, as this genre truly lacks queer characters being front and center. the angst, the yearning, the pining, the little moments that lead up to the big moments ... all of it was chef's kiss. ABSOLUTE EXCELLENCE.

i will be thinking about this book for quite some time, and will definitely be recommending it to my friends and followers. it delicately balanced more serious topics with lighthearted moments, and the payoff was absolutely worth it. lovers of the historical romance genre who also have been searching for representation, this book is for you specifically! (as well as general lovers of romance and historical romance). the one setback i had was the length, but this didn't necessarily take away from the book, it was just longer than what i am used to reading. 4/5 stars!

thank you so much to both net galley and forever (grand central publishing) for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts and opinions are my own!

A Lady for a Duke is the most engaged and invested I have ever felt while reading a romance. Trans women are rarely featured as heroines where their trans identity is not a source of conflict, and this did it so well. I wish it were shorter (it's nearly 500 pages), but overall so heartfelt and so fun. Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the advanced copy. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

I think Alexis Hall is one of the best banter writers I’ve read & it’s very apparent in A Lady for a Duke. Wouldn’t it be so great if we were as quick, funny, & astute as an Alexis Hall character?

Let me just say I welcomed those moments of humor with open arms because so much of the romance is a rich, dense, & incredibly thoughtful plumbing of emotions, heart, & friendship. Which is amazing…& also served really well by an occasional bon mot for levity.

A Lady for a Duke has everything & it just feels so colorful to me. I don’t think I’m in danger of forgetting the characters—they’re truly magnificent in their own ways, from the leads—indomitable Viola Carroll & the sternly principled & honorable Justin, duke of Gracewood—to Viola’s brother, a not very bright but also affable person called Badger who is beloved by his wife, (a magnificent would-be puppet master with a heart) Louise.

The story, too, is unforgettable, featuring a trans heroine who, as she says, made choices that severed her from her old life—as a beloved best friend to Gracewood—but that allowed her to live as herself.

This childhood best friends, class difference (Viola is a lady’s companion) romance has bold & romantic speeches & moments, stunning descriptions, a devastating sense of drama, & an absolutely lovely Epilogue that serves up major feels.

Check out the CWs but this book is soo good & highly recommended!

5 ⭐️. Release date: 05/24.




CWs: The Author’s Note details some CWs including references to Viola’s dead name.
Past abuse. On page there is drug & alcohol abuse. Gracewood shoots at Viola and Louise when they first arrive. Suicide ideation. A villain hits Viola with a cane. Sister is kidnapped. Discussion of war & Gracewood experiences what I would call PTSD.




[ID: an ebook is on an orange ottoman. To the right is a stack of books: there’s a pattern of spines, yellow, white pages, blue. Behind is a wooden desk. To the left of the ottoman is a white bookcase.]

I think this book is so important to the historical romance genre having a trans mc and another mc with combat related ptsd. The story is told with the humor, wit, and tenderness typical of an Alexis Hall book.

While I found it well written, I thought the story was a tad long especially when it came to the sister. And I didn’t realize her nickname until too far into the book and thought I was reading about 2 different people. I really don’t like assumed nicknames!!

I’m so happy to have read this book and my thanks to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the eARC.

Ready a handkerchief and prepare for a proper heart-clutch, as Alexis Hall delivers some of his finest work to date with A Lady for a Duke, a queer M/F historical romance which brings a trans heroine back into the life of her childhood best friend. There was so much delicious pining in this book that the smell of evergreen still lingers in my halls. Get it? Pining...pine…trees…um. Never mind. I can hear your groans all the way from here. This was a super dreamy, extraordinarily romantic read, blended with a mix of angst and humor that will feel familiar to readers of Hall.

The backstory here is when Viola Carroll was presumed dead at the battle of Waterloo, she took the unexpected freedom in that to escape her previous life, casting off her name and title, in order to live as the person she knows to be her true self. Our story then kicks to a trot when Viola is persuaded, through a matter of timely importance, to return to the estate of her former best friend, the Duke of Gracewood. There, she finds him in a state of complete mental despair, trying to D&D the days away in an attempt to numb his pain. Oh, and by D&D, I don’t mean Dungeons & Dragons, though…okay, I would totally read the crap out of that? Our hero, lost in a world of role play, reality and fantasy blended in a way that has displaced him from time! WILL OUR HEROINE BE ABLE TO BRING HIM BACK TO THE REAL WORLD WHEN SHE ENTERS THE GAME? Straight up like an episode of Community. But anyway, what I meant by D&D is drinking and drugging away the part of the day that he cannot sleep away.

Finding Gracewood in such a state of anguish, absolutely sinking in his struggle with PTSD, Viola must make a choice between standing by his side in an attempt to help bring back the man she knows him to be, or protect herself and her own needs at all other emotional costs. Because the thing is, Gracewood lives with the belief that his best friend died at Waterloo, and Viola means to keep it that way.

This secret identity plot blended with something I’m going to say felt similar to second chance romance collides with friends-to-lovers, and was very page-turny & intriguing. Then Hall threw in the caretaking trope, and oh, my heart! It did catch the beat.

Gracewood is set on Viola from the start, and of course, eventually figures out her identity, which turns the yearning between them up to an eleven as they attempt to figure out a way to be together despite society’s rules on gender roles and what is properly expected of a lady and a duke. It’s easy to feel the strong connection between these two, the genuine passion and care they have for each other, and I was eagerly rooting for them along the way.

The sexy scenes are properly steamy & romantic, but there’s one scene in particular that stole my breath, when Viola carefully shaves Gracewood’s face. Listen, I’m serious, that scene truly put me in a state of BRING. ME. MY. FAINTING. COUCH. It is so, so lovely and tender. I adored the feeling it left with me.

A Lady for a Duke is long, at nearly 500 pages, but it never lagged for me, and I actually felt as though it flew by. If I were to get picky with it at all, I’d say that Amberglass felt a little bit like an over-the-top villain who came out of nowhere and nowhen? Buuuut, considering he will be starring as the MC in the next book in this series, what we got from him here makes more sense. I love me a good tale about a monster of a man, so I’m super intrigued and looking forward to seeing what Hall does with this character in book two.

Otherwise, as per usual, Hall’s side characters were a delight. It’s something I admire in his writing, the way his entire cast can vividly pop to life. There seems to be a little love put into all of his characters, both in their personalities and in the way they view and treat each other. Here, I was especially charmed by Mira, with her magic & love of monsters, and Lady Lillimere, whose stories I would definitely have an interest in reading down the line.

I also have to say, the epilogue was a welcome surprise. Look, one thing I’ve historically loved about Hall’s novels is that they typically end in more of a HFN fashion than HEA. This does my overly suspicious-of-forever-love brain good. But the thing is, while my brain may be totally team HFN, my heart is—has always been—rooting for a HEA, and as such, I got my heart’s desire in the final pages of this book.

While this novel in many ways does feel like a traditional histrom, Hall brings a fresh feel to the genre with his use of more modern language and ideas. I enjoyed the blend in that, and in getting a queer historical romance with such a wonderfully fantastic trans heroine. I should note, that as a cis female, I cannot personally comment on the rep, but I did appreciate Hall’s attempt at Viola being transgender not presenting as the main point of conflict in the story, and what she does experience as a trans woman was shared with the reader through her inner voice, and in conversations with other characters in the book, in a way that very genuinely made me feel for her and what she goes through in order to live as her authentic self.

I gave this book five stars and I’ll be happy to rec it out! An utterly romantic, dreamy and hopeful piece of writing about two people who genuinely love each other, fighting for their own place in this world. Truly, all the hearts. 💜💜💜

I’m not saying Alexis Hall was made for writing these period narratives but Alexis Hall was made for writing these period narratives. As a huge fan of Something Fabulous, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Lady for a Duke and Hall, shockingly, did not disappoint.

A Lady for a Duke is a queer historical romance following Viola Carroll and Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. Viola and Gracewood were childhood friends who fought together at Waterloo. When Viola was presumed dead on the battlefield, she took the opportunity to live her true self as a trans woman. The war, however, leaves Gracewood grief-stricken and riddled with PTSD as he drowns his guilt over losing his best friend in alcohol and opium and turns into a recluse.

When they meet again years later after the war, Viola realises just how affected Gracewood was by the loss and as their families reconnect, so do the two of them. As Viola tries to bring Gracewood back to himself, old feelings resurface under the guise of new ones and Viola will have to decide whether she is willing to risk it all for the man who has an undeniable place in her heart.

Phew, they weren’t kidding when they said A Lady for a Duke is a lush, sweeping queer historical romance. Hall’s prose is as elegant as you’d expect it yet also modernised enough that you’re flying through the pages. The way everything is described had me feeling super fancy and I loved how every detail—the way Viola’s outfits are put together with care, the way Gracewood’s manor was depicted—made this story feel as if you’re transported back in time.

A Lady for a Duke is told in alternating POVs which was a great choice because it let you really into the heads of Viola and Gracewood. I loved the way they played off each other, the mutual pining situation and the way we get to see all their fears and desires and the obstacles they sometimes built for themselves and needed to break through.

Additionally, every interaction between Viola and Gracewood was just so—intimate. There’s really no other word for it. Whether it was hilarious banter—which we all know Hall is known for—or tender moments where Viola comforted Gracewood and vice versa, every page was infused with so much caring that you could positively feel their relationship grow stronger time and again. Both characters show their underbelly, exposing their vulnerabilities and their kindness, yet they’re also fiercely protective, sharp-witted and become an unstoppable force that just makes you glad that you’re along for the ride.

I also loved the themes explored in this novel. Hall accurately depicts the vast landscape of grief, trauma and PTSD with Gracewood and all the emotional conversations surrounding past and current trauma were so well done. This is by no means a tragic story but to have this depiction of a disabled hero essentially coming back to life was just beautiful and tear-inducing. Likewise, through Viola as well as the extended cast of wholesomely queer characters, we get so much queer joy and acceptance that still gives allows for discussions around gender roles and the expectations people have because of them and the way in which these characters decide to make up their own rules to live life to the fullest was just what the historical romance genre needed.

I’d be surprised if this doesn’t turn out to become a comfort book for many readers. Whether you’re a long-time fan of historical romance who wants to see more queer representation (and rightly so) or a total newbie to the genre, you won’t want to miss out on A Lady for a Duke.

Featuring Hall’s trademark wit, a second chance romance infused with grief, yearning and acceptance, A Lady for a Duke is a vivid, moving tale following a trans heroine and a grieving duke finding their way back to each other.

Alexis Hall wants us to read a riotous romance sizzling with tension, outfits for days, and a burning romance at the center of it all. Hall shows us a trans woman at the center of this historical romance. A tender story unfolds as a trans woman gets to be the center of the love, tension, and gentleness of the man she loves. Viola, who rips off the memories of her former titled life, remembers how she left her heart on the battlefield with her childhood friend. Justin de Vere, a grieving man drowning himself in laudanum within the hallowed halls of his ancestors, thinks he left his best friend on the battlefield. A sparkling, deeply brilliant romance gives us a glimpse of what the genre could strive to be in the future. Alexis Hall deserves any comparison to the greats of the genre. This historical romance belongs in the best of the genre for a reason. A Lady for a Duke will make you feel like the author ripped your soul, confirmed that romance is the highest form of art, and assure you that rereading a book a thousand times seems like the easiest thing on Earth.

Parts of this book I really enjoyed, including the positive LGBTQ+ representation. Rating it simply as a romance, however, I'd have to say it lacked some of the "oomph" I prefer in these types of books. It DID have steamy scenes, and those scenes were well done, but I just didn't feel the connection had been earned by the characters and everything seemed to fall into place a little too easily. I did read that Alexis Hall purposefully wrote the story so that the transgender aspect of Viola was not the primary issue in the story, and it definitely succeeds in this regard. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it, I give it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC for review.

Another gorgeous, gorgeous book by my favourite author!

This is a historical romance with a trans heroine that is pretty angsty and has dark moments but overall is hopeful and full of promise for happiness.

Viola has my heart from the start. Gracewood needed some time to grow and become the duke he was meant to be and I ended loving him as well. Together they are magic. Despite some hurts, despite the difficulties real poses in front of their happiness, they manage to achieve it.

The story was super angsty at the beginning things seem impossible - Gracewood has given up on life after losing his best friend at the battlefield. He is a disabled veteran, with serious childhood and war traumas, barely hanging onto life. Viola is a trans woman, a lady's companion to her sister-in-law, trying to find her place in a hostile world.

There is so much hurt and sadness between Viola and Gracewood, neither of them can a see a future for them, either as friends or as lovers. The deep love between best friends since childhood well into their adulthood grows into a romantic connection and sexual attraction and it was beautiful thing to see it developing on page.

This story is not about transphobia and I am so happy the author made that choice. Viola has a loving and supporting family. The focus was on her and how she navigates the world as a trans woman, rather than on how the world sees / reacts to her. These is no forced coming out, no gender-based violence, and I love that. The author shows the same kindness to Gracewood - his injury is a serious issue for him, his PTSD (undiagnosed and untreated at the time) causes him a lot of discomfort but we never really see other characters humiliating or degrading him over it.

The tension is high but all the physical violence is mostly in the past both for Viola and Gracewood. There is a fighting scene that was quite brutal but I felt it was balanced out by a number of tender moments (Viola and Gracewood dancing, her shaving him).

I rarely comment on sex scenes in my reviews but I want to say how much I liked the one in this book. It was so fitting to the characters, something that I don't find very often in romance. They were the same Viola and Gracewood that see in the rest of the story, they didn't magically transform into someone else. There was desire and need but also hesitancy and trepidation. They talked things through, explored each other, it was beautiful and touching.

I felt that despite the angst and trauma this was a very romantic romance - tender and intimate, the love confessions were amazing, his marriage proposal was all tenderness and care and forever kind of love with a touch of humour.

I appreciate the story as a whole with all the side characters. Viola and Gracewood are two soulmates who find a way to the HEA they want in a world that is ostensibly not made for them. But from the start they have people in their lives that love and support them and show them that happiness is a possibility. Badger and Louise are in happy marriage, Miranda finds a way to live the life she wants. I found all this very happy making and hopeful, exactly what I want in my romances.

The story ends with the perfect epilogue. Viola gets what she wants - marriage and children and a big sweeping love story.

CW: war trauma, violence, kidnapping, PTSD, war injury, drug abuse

So so good!

Alexis Hall weaves a beautiful and emotional love story between two old friends who where separated by war but eventually found their way back to each other.
Viola Carroll is a trans woman who, presumed dead at Waterloo, took the opportunity to live as herself at last. However, with that freedom came a loss of her title, her wealth, and her closest friend and companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. For Justin, the years since the war have also not been kind. Undone by the loss of his friend, the Duke has fallen deep into grief, neglecting himself, his home, and his sister. Once they come face to face after all those years, these two lost people help each other heal and sparks begin to fly. But what will happen when Justin figures out who Viola was, and would it further push him into grief or will it instead bring them closer than ever.

This entire book was a work of art! I loved the amount of representation (trans, disabled, mental illness) the story contained. So few romance books go so bold and come out with such a moving, emotional love story. I sincerely enjoyed the fact that Viola's queer identity was not the main conflict of the story and Hall was able to tackle such heavy topics with a delicate and caring hand. The side characters, Lord and Lady Marleigh, Viola's brother and wife, were amazing. As was their little son, Bartholomew. He probably was my favorite character hands down.

This second-chance romance was a beauty and the epilogue put a lovely finishing touch on a gorgeous story. Get your copy on May 24th!

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

TW: transphobia, PTSD, depression, loss of a loved one, addiction.

I adore Alexis Hall’s writing so I was very excited to get an early copy of A Lady for a Duke. In this novel, Viola Caroll, a trans woman in regency England, has had a difficult life up until this point. She was injured in a war and was able to cede her title to her brother and change her name to Viola. However, this has forced her to give up all her old friendships, including her very close bond with the Duke of Gracewood, her best friend. When she finds out he is depressed and addicted to opiates, she goes to visit him. Viola struggles to see her friend mourning her death while also feeling pressured to keep her identity quiet. Can their bond survive everything that has happened? Can they ever be friends again? Can they ever be more? Filled with humor and drama, this book is a can’t miss for lovers of historical romance!

A Lady for a Duke is my third book by Alexis Hall and, while all three of those books are vastly different, they have things I’m learning are part of Alexis’s signature style: fantastic main and side characters, witty writing with laugh-out-loud moments, and also moments that tug at your heartstrings.

When I first heard about A Lady for a Duke, I didn’t need to know more than the basics: a Regency romance where a trans woman and her childhood friend reunite after she’s presumed dead at Waterloo, and fall in love. Then I saw the cover and *swoon*! I’ve been trying really hard not to build up expectations for books anymore, but I can’t lie - I had high expectations for this book, and they were met without question.

I absolutely loved A Lady for a Duke. The writing was so beautiful it made my heart ache in the best way. This book was an exploration and celebration of love in its many forms. It also explored gender and societal roles in a time period where very specific things were expected of men and women, and there wasn’t a lot of wiggle room within those expectations. It was heartbreaking and hopeful and life-affirming, and I fell hard for Viola, Gracewood, and the many wonderful side characters. It was quite tropetastic too, which was fun, including favourites like second chance romance, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, secret identity, and forbidden romance. It dealt with heavy topics in a sensitive and empathetic way while mixing in humour and lightheartedness.

A Lady for a Duke is beautiful, romantic, angsty, and all around wonderful. I adored this book and can’t recommend it enough.

5 stars

What can I say? This book made me laugh, it made me laugh, and it made me believe that soulmates are real.

I knew Alexis Hall could write romantic comedy. I knew Alexis Hall could write LGBT romance. What he does here in A Lady for A Duke is nothing short of creating a queer spiritual successor to Austen and Bronte. It is sweeping in its scope, in its language, and in its ability to get to the core of why we love. The way that Hall meticulously and lovingly crafts the growth of both characters as well as their relationship is simply astounding. I have too often been burned by historical romances that go all in either the physical or the emotional aspects of a relationship and this book is the perfect example of how to give credence to both.

In his Reading Group discussions, Hall brings his trademark humor and teases that he put some characters in her strictly as sequel bait. To that, I say sequel away. At this point, I will read anything Hall writes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

i loved this book, and it has immediately become one of my favorite historical romances! there are a lot of emotions, and it's safe to say i shed a fair amount of tears while reading, but it was never too heavy, with kindness and humor throughout, as always.