This was such a sweet romance and I loved every second of it! I really hope Alexis Hall writes more historical romances because I would read every one.

Representation: Trans woman MC. Other MC is a former solider disabled by war, has chronic pain, PTSD, and drug dependency.

Viola Caroll came back from the war more true to herself, but to achieve that, she had to let herself be presumed dead. In doing so, she lost her wealth, title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. She keeps her distance after the war, thinking it’s the best for everyone. However, Gracewood has taken the loss very hard. He’s retreated into his own grief, drinking and taking drugs for his pain but also to dull the loss of Viola. On a visit to the Gracewood estate, Viola sees this and barely recognizes the man before her. She decides she has to try and bring Gracewood back to himself, perhaps at risk of discovery and everything she’s built, but perhaps giving rise to something new and impossible.

Rating: 5/5 I want to be clear, Viola is a trans woman. She was raised with Gracewood, and took the opportunity to transition and reimagine herself as her true self once she found out she was presumed dead. I really, really enjoyed this Regency-era historical romance. Viola’s transness does impact the story, but it nearly never becomes the main focus. The fact that she’s a woman and has to live by all of society’s rules takes precedence, especially when she’s around Gracewood and there’s a whole new dynamic that they have to navigate. There is so much queer longing in this, Gracewood for his old friend, and for Viola. It goes the other way as well, with Viola realizing that her feelings for Gracewood have evolved into something that she didn’t have a name for before. Gracewood did have an initial struggle upon learning who Viola was, but quickly accepted her as who she was. The few other characters that know about Viola’s transness have their own relationship to it, but they all accept and support her. Viola is definitely haunted by her past, coming face to face with all of the things she used to do that she can’t now that she’s a “proper” lady, learning how to navigate society as a lady’s companion. Alexis Hall is a fantastic author, and I think he did a great job with all the banter. I didn’t connect it until later, but he’s also the author of Boyfriend Material, which I also enjoyed very much! If you enjoy historical fiction, especially one set in Regency-era society, I would absolutely recommend this.

Hall is the author behind so many of my other favorite romances, like Boyfriend Material and Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake—so I was entirely delighted when I learned that he was not only writing another historical romance, but one that would be primed to personally devastate me in the best possible sense of the word. Hall is already a name to follow in romance, but with A Lady for a Duke, he cements himself even further as a writer who pushes the genre beyond its previous borders and helps to reestablish a new definition altogether.

There are the trademark trappings of a Regency romance, of course, in all their most entertaining incarnations, but ultimately our heroine, Viola Carroll, has previously been living a lie—not just to herself in her past, which finally led to her embracing her true identity as a woman, but also to her oldest and dearest friend in her present, who believes her life had been lost on the battlefield at Waterloo years ago. Understandably, the story deals in many heavy subjects, and readers will be taken on a journey of many emotions, but the end result is a book that delivers on both its angst-laced premise and the reassurance of happiness by its conclusion.

Alexis Hall really is a wonder - "Boyfriend Material" was such a delight and a comfort read to me, so I went into this book hopeful but not sure how the hilarious banter of a contemporary story would translate to a historical setting. I really needn't have worried. I was so sucked into this story that I could not put it down. I was constantly sneaking peeks at the story while in the middle of all the other tasks I needed to be doing, because I couldn't bear to leave the story. I loved following along with Viola's journey of making the choice to be herself but dealing with all the things she had to give up, particularly with the constraints on women in the 19th century. I fell in love with the entire cast of characters, and could happily hop back into this world to see what any of them were up to. It was a joy to read from the very first page, and had all the humor and delightful banter that is Alexis Hall's hallmark. Viola's and Justin's journey back to one another was so beautifully spooled out, and you could really feel all the emotional beats of them trying to figure out to communicate with each other. I think that this is likely to be a book I return to again and again.

Alexis Hall writes romance like no one else. So unique, so inclusive, so sweet. The plot kept me on my toes and the characters made my heart melt. This is no miss author for me. So glad I was able to listen to and read this wonderful story. Thank you Hachette Audio and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to get this arc.

I’m OBSESSED with Gracewood and Viola, I would read so many books about them. I was in from the first page - the setup, a trans woman meeting again her friend who believed she died in the war, and who had blamed himself for her fate, was perfect for creating drama, emotion, ALL THE FEELS. This book quite literally made me laugh and cry. I wanted them both to be happy and oh em gee the journey was worth it for where they end up together. I also adored Lady Marleigh, every time she was around I ended up laughing, but she was also a truly great friend to Viola.
If you like romance novels and/or historical fiction, this one is a must read.

My feelings on this book are a bit mixed, but ultimately a transwoman getting her unequivocal HEA in a well-written historical romance book deserves to be celebrated.

I started off absolutely loving this book. I mean. THE EMOTIONS. I was near tears and thought I would give this story 5-stars for sure. I'm not usually a fan of stories where there is an off-page, prior to the story emotional connection between the MCs, but I really understood it here. The grief and the depth of the emotions between the MCs was absolutely overwhelming. However, my enthusiasm started petering out in the middle portion of the story.

I think my only issue, significant as it was, with this story is that the pacing fell way off the map in the middle of the book. The whole plot felt drawn out and muddled, and I missed the feelings I had in the beginning of the book. I feel like the initial plotline only stretched so far, and then side plots were brought in to flesh it out and then things felt watered down, if that makes sense. I wanted that emotional intensity back.

I greatly enjoyed that Alexis Hall gave us on page sex (YES!!!). On page sex in books with trans characters is so important to me because I love when authors treat these books with the same heat and sexual tension as any other pairing. I thought Alexis did an amazing job here with that aspect of the story. I also adored the HEA and epilogue. *dreamy sigh*

Best part of the story is the fact that we had a happy transwoman living her best life in historical romance because, realistically, there WERE transwomen doing just that in all eras of existence, whether people knew it or not. I really enjoyed the side characters as well (Alexis always gets those right). Of course, I could have used more humor but I think I just love Alexis Hall when he does funny so much that I craved it here also.

Overall, I celebrate every aspect of this story, even if I wanted slightly more from parts of it. Thank you, Alexis Hall, for delivering such a successful book.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

This is a departure from Hall's usual chatty style to a more serious tone, and I really enjoyed it. This just proves that Hall can write anything. Viola is a truly lovely protagonist, a woman living in a difficult time to be trans but who has done her best to carve out a happy life. Her Duke is a man tormented by ghosts and the scars of war, Their romance is complicated but real, and I loved reading it. As usual, top notch supporting characters and divine dialogue. No notes.

I loved it! Alexis Hall is incredible. I wasn’t sure how a historical romance about a trans character would work but was hopeful that it could be done and done well. Alexis Hall crafted such a beautiful story about choosing to be your authentic self even when it’s hard or scary. I also loved the way that as characters who had known Carol before they transitioned didn’t dead name her once they knew who she was. They would stop themselves or catch themselves and self correct. It’s such a small piece of the story but I’m glad it was included. I’ll be recommending this to literally everyone!

I’m a marketing and publicity intern at Forever Publishing, so I am reading this for work. May post full review later.

Alexis Hall can be a hit-or-miss author for me, but I really enjoyed A LADY FOR A DUKE and would love to see more historical romance with trans characters represented like this.

Review (#giftedbook): A Lady For A Duke

Author: Alexis Hall

Rating: 😊

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now!

First--Alexis Hall is a story magician. THE RANGE PEOPLE. Okay.

A Lady For A Duke was so sweet and lovely. Viola and Gracewood are so completely swoon-worthy, but also deep and beautiful and endearing. This felt like a slow-burn for me and oh my...the ANGST. It is all worth it though. I do think the story ran a little long, but that is my only complaint, because this romance is so fulfilling and wonderful that really, who cares if it feels a little long. Also, the end is SO exciting and yes, I punched the air multiple times with joy.

I love Viola's journey through this book--as a trans woman in Regency (I'm assuming Regency) society, she doesn't believe she can have the life she might want or be with the one she loves. Her journey to acceptance--not acceptance of who she knows she is, but of the life she could have--is heartwarming.

🔥Open door sexy scenes

CW: PTSD from battle

This had so much to love. I love the "i thought you were dead" trope and also the friends-to-lovers trope and I thought they were very well done in relation to this story. I loved all the pining and yearning between Gracewood and Viola and I thought they worked so well as a couple. Both of these characters were so gorgeous and I was rooting for them the whole time. The same goes for the ensemble. Hall just has a knack for creating lovable side characters.

My issue (like with many of Hall's books) is the pacing. It definitely drags in the middle and there is a weird end plot that I feel like it wouldn't have felt as abrupt if it was foreshadowed earlier on. Also, the most despicable character in this book is the protag for the next book and I am EXTREMELY curious to see how Hall pulls it off bc damn that guy was douche. But I have faith in Hall so I am excited about the follow-up!

This book!!!!! I honestly wasn't ready for this... I feel like most of what I've read from Alexis Hall is lighter and funnier, and while this wasn't that, it was amazing in so many other ways. This book definitely packs a bit of heartbreak, and there's so much angst. You just want these two to figure it out and get their HEA. It's so difficult for them to figure it out because of the time and their circumstances but you just really want them to find a way, and oh my gosh do they. That epilogue?? It absolutely killed me how happy that epilogue made me. I just adored everything about this book. Every single thing.

This book was life-changing. I am always impressed with Hall's writing style and his ability to weave banter so hysterical and so natural that I find myself hating him a little bit for his talent, but this book was truly something else. It was an emotionally traumatizing read from which I shall never recover from in the best way. The tactful way he introduced Viola, her history, and her present was absolutely beautiful. Some people wrote that they didn't enjoy that there was a lack of transphobia in the book, but I don't think any authors owes us that sort of "realism" in their writing. They don't owe us that sort of trauma and hate towards the main character. Hall set out to write a story of love and acceptance (both of others and of oneself) and I think he nailed that. I keep wanting to refer to this as a second chance romance, but that's not at all what it is. It's a first love, a first friendship, a first everything being shared by two people meeting again for the very first time.

Wow. This may be one of the most beautifully written historical romances I’ve ever read. Yes, this is a long winded book, but the pacing was very well done IMO and I truly think we needed all of that page time to tell Viola and Justin’s story. I adored all of the side characters as well.

I could feel the emotional/soul deep connection between Viola and Justin from the first few pages, and the way it developed/evolved throughout the book was simply stunning. Also the very end was everything 🥺🥺🥺

*thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*

If you only pick up one historical romance this year, make this be the one. Alexis Hall writes with such care and understanding and creates beautiful and well rounded characters in this novel. Hall's writing is engaging, well paced, full of heart and humor while crafting a stunningly compelling story that will make you tear up, swoon and root whole heartedly for this romance.

This is a friends to lovers, second chance romance between Viola, a transgender woman, and her best friend Justin. Justin and Viola both served in a war which has left Justin with a disability and chronic pain, and created an opportunity for Viola to finally live her truth. Justin has spent the last two years in pain and mourning for his best friend who he blames for his death, but with his younger sister on the cusp of a debut, Viola's family decides to visit and try to help Justin move forward with his life. As Viola and Justin spend more time together, chemistry and familiarity blossom and truths come to light.

Viola is such a beautiful character, she has a quiet strength about her and a boldness which gives her the confidence to live her truths, but she is not without doubts and fears. Alexis Hall does an amazing job of showing Viola's conviction in who she is while still being cautious around who she can trust and fulling welcome into her world. Justin as a hero has some growth he must go through as he learns to see the world in a new way after the war, and he does it with grace and understanding. Justin might have moments of impulse decisions that cause him to say somethings that he must think through, but he quickly learns to reexamine his views and does a really great job of placing himself in the other person's mindset. I love that this romance is build on a friendship and understanding of each other. I love that their relationship is full of trust and acceptance of who the other person is. I love that Justin finds all facets of Viola to be beautiful and worthy of love. I love that their romance made me smile, made me tear up, made me laugh, made me thing and left me with hope. Alexis Hall has crafted a sensual love story, with stunning main characters and endearing secondary characters. Hall surrounds Viola with a family that fully accepts her and embraces her and that is just so wonderfully heartwarming. I love that Viola does not have to question the love her brother and sister in law have for her, I love that Viola can be open and have candid conversations with her nephew about who she truly is, and I love that an HEA and the meaning of family is so sweetly explored and accomplished in a thoughtful way. I love that this novel has a beautiful message of live loud, live bold, live true to yourself.

This is an absolute must read for any lover of historical romance and would love to see the genre be pushed out of its comfort zone. Hall has lovingly created unique characters who boldly live their truths during a time where people are close minded and certain things would be seen as crimes (punishable by death), not that the world we live in has entirely changed. This novel provided me with better understanding of these characters and the strength they have as well as the inner fear that they constantly live with. This novel has taught me more about the world around me and the many varieties of people who live in it through subtly and facts centered in a time period outside of our own, but also not that different. You absolutely must pick this book up, it will open your heart in such a wonderful way and leave you with hope for a better world and more compassionate humanity.

After being presumed dead at Waterloo, Viola Caroll seized the opportunity to live the life she’d always wanted, rather than the one she was born to. But this new freedom came at the cost of relinquishing her title, wealth, and, most unbearable of all, her lifelong friend Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.

When their family friendship is rekindled through her sister-in-law, Viola learns just how greatly her loss affected Gracewood. He’s spiraled into the depths of grief, pained by a war injury and struggling with a laudanum addiction, so much so that Viola barely recognizes her old friend. She decides she must help him but the closeness that necessitates makes it difficult for her to hide her true feelings. They were impossible then and even more so now, but she can’t seem to help herself all the same.

Having never read this author nor read anything like this book, I had no idea what to expect. I’m happy to say I was pleasantly surprised, and I found the narrative to be quite comforting. This was definitely an excruciatingly slow burn at times but given how character driven the story was I think that fit, even if it did slow the pace considerably. Viola did get frustrating sometimes just because of the frequent occurrence of the same inner monologues, though her fears were well-founded. On the other hand, sometimes I think she was too quick to be angry with Justin and didn’t give him enough grace to understand that there were times that he just needed a moment to process what he was learning. I loved the fact that Justin saw what was needed for his happiness and seized it, determined to use the power of his lofty status to smooth any wrinkles this incurred. Sure, this may strain plausibility a bit in places, but I think that’s what made this book so charming. It also must be noted that the cast of side characters in this novel is just delightful on the whole. I listened to this on audio, and I think it was well worth the time.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars — This one will be hard to review. There were so many parts that had me smiling away and feeling delighted. There were other parts that got to my heart and had me hurting with Viola and Gracewood. And there were yet other parts where things felt…confusing. But that could have been just me. In the end, I think of all of those it was the delight and the heart that stood out the most.

One of the things that didn’t work for me as well, is that a lot of the characters had the same stuttery way of talking. Obviously some more than others, but I was surprised to see it present in so many of the characters. It made sense for Viola, as she was often unsure of herself and what she wanted to say.

I really loved reading the book club section at the back. a) because it was hilarious at times. And b) because it really made me think about the way in which I enjoy historical romance, and how it fit with this book…and how there are others who are more sticklers for “realistic”. Obviously, I don’t want it to be wildly unrealistic, but I’m okay with a modern touch to explore interesting ideas in another time.

I kind of loved that while Viola being trans was wholeheartedly a big part of the story, it wasn’t as big in the ways I was expecting. I didn’t have to see her deal with struggle and hate based on that, from the outside world. If we saw her struggles, it was internal, or in her relationship with Gracewood. At times it felt almost too easy, but you know what? I don’t even care. It was kind of nice to just have that love story…where there are missteps and foibles along the way, but it’s all predicated on love.

I will admit that, while I wholeheartedly want to learn and grow and do the right things, I am 100% the kind of person that is eminently curious about what life is like for someone experiencing gender identity issues. I would constantly be stopping myself from asking inappropriate questions. I would stop myself, but there would be a part of me that truly just wanted to know. I’m working on it. Even reading this book I couldn’t help but have questions in my mind, but it was still enough for me to learn without the story feeling like a lesson for the poor cis girl. You know, like learning just from observation.

I appreciated that Gracewood has his own set of challenges to overcome, and if I’m being honest, it felt like his journey was larger than Viola’s. I loved seeing the author explore PTSD back then, when there was no such understanding. And it wasn’t just the war that had scarred Gracewood, it was his childhood as well.

I found that I both loved and was frustrated by our MCs. They could both be so stubborn and stuck on things, but they would do so much for each other.

I spent the first large chunk of the book on tenterhooks waiting for the shoe to drop. I have no idea how I feel about all that, but I guess it worked out in the end. 😛

There were some interesting side characters. On occasion I wanted more from them…more resolution between Justin and Miranda especially. I know there is the possibility of future books from some of these side characters, but I still think I would have liked a bit more in *this* book.

All in all, I was very entertained. There was just something preventing it from being higher rated for me…and of course I can’t quite pin it down.

A trans heroine. A grieving Duke. I am so glad this story exists. This story was a rollercoaster in the best way. I cried, I laughed, I grieved with these characters. This is Alexis Hall's best book yet. The side characters are lovely, the story is beautiful, these characters have my heart.