this is one of the best historical romances ive read recently. the gothic aspects, sapphic rep, and emotional turmoil made this so enthralling!! the last third lost me a tad because i didn’t necessarily care about cat’s brothers plot line, but aside from that i stayed up many a night reading past my bedtime 🤭 also she was steamyyy and the mirror scene WILL be living in my mind rent free!

Alexandra Vasti’s "Ladies in Hating" is a steamy sapphic romance with just enough mystery to keep you guessing. This quick, fun read pulls you into Regency England and is the third and final stand-alone story in the Belvoir Library series (the first two being hetero romances). The mystery elements, while mostly plausible, add intrigue without overshadowing the story’s primary focus—a heartfelt romance between two compelling leads.

While not without minor imperfections, "Ladies in Hating" is an engaging read that entertains. If you’re a fan of historical romance with modern sensibilities and values, give this one a try and check out the other books in the Belvoir series.

I've never read Alexandra Vasti before but DAMN this caught my attention. Historical fiction isn't my main jam but sapphic yearning??? 1000% is. Idk I was just tickled by the idea of two Gothic novelists falling in love!!

One thing I love about this book is it doesn't waste your time. The leads see each other VERY early on. They are flawed but not awful people. For me, I understood why they made the choices they did even if I couldn't see myself behaving the same way. And OH lemme tell you I went from cackling at the rivalry to being absolutely devastated at one point when the POV switched.

Georgiana's relationship with her mom made me feel warm and soft. It was a welcome change of pace reading about a character with a supportive parent. Similarly, I adored Jem. Both of these side characters led to scenes that made me quite emotional. I didn't expect to tear up about a book that's so funny!!! But I did.

Now, a slight nitpick. There's an AGGRESSIVE number of em dashes. At times it was quite distracting for me. It gave the writing style a repetitive quality. I just wanted sentence lengths that were a bit more varied, I think? This is hardly a dealbreaker, though! I doubt most readers would care if they noticed at all.

Alright. Time for a bigger nitpick. On one hand, I'm glad we got multiple sex scenes. The buildup, the TENSION before it started?? Fantastic. Imo, the sex scenes themselves were a bit rushed, though. Personal preference, I guess, but I wanted them to work a little harder for those orgasms! I'd have preferred one much longer sex scene that was better paced and really took its time than multiple small ones with fast orgasms. But I seem to be alone in this feeling so maybe it's just a me problem!

My biggest criticism? The third act is underwhelming. Solving the mystery... it turned a bit too "let the men handle this" for my taste. Which is perhaps silly of me given this is historical fiction. But idk. The hiding and being quiet while the men talked wasn't for me.

For all these reasons I can't give Ladies in Hating 5 stars. So a generous 4 it is!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Seeing this book become available on NetGalley made my week! I was beyond excited when Alexandra Vasti announced the third book in this series would be a sapphic romance, and I have been waiting for what feels like forever to get my hands on it.

It took everything in me not to devour this in a single sitting, and now I’m so tempted to immediately reread it. Cat and Georgiana’s story absolutely lived up to my expectations and then some!

This book is sexy, mysterious, funny and heartwarming. I teared up several times while reading. As with all Vasti books, the love (familial, romantic, and platonic) is felt so deeply in this story. It is a rare thing to feel so safe in an author’s hands while still knowing that difficult themes, trauma, and heartache will be explored. She did a beautiful job balancing the emotional through-line.

As always, I deeply appreciate that Vasti’s characters, settings, and plots are so often based in historical reality (even some of the wildest bits). Can’t wait to explore some of the real life texts mentioned in this book. And I can’t wait for whatever she decides to write next!

4.5*

the sapphic historical romcom of my dreams!!

The story follows Georgiana & Cat, WHO ARE RIVAL GOTHIC NOVELISTS!! I was sold just from that alone, but this book delivers in so much ways.

There is so much to love about this book:

THE SETTING
There were multiple locations throughout the story, but the old manor that was essentially falling down brick by brick was my favourite. It was the perfect backdrop to force Georgiana and Cat into close proximity.

THE WRITING
I can say that at this point, I've fallen in love with Alexandra's writing style. She easily weaves such a beautiful balance between emotion, humor and intimacy (both physical and emotional). She writes tension so damn well, and it had me giddy!

THE CHARACTERS
I loved Georgiana from the first moment we meet her in Ne'er Duke Well. I had a feeling about her! Having her front and centre in her own story was even better than I anticipated. She had a lot of walls up and tried her best to protect herself and others from perceived harm.. and watching her slowly dismantle those walls in order to let herself be loved by Cat was everything.

Cat was such a kind-hearted and open person. She was the perfect counterpart to Georgiana and I felt that they brought out the best in each other.

Sir Francis Bacon. I love him.

The side characters were also all amazing. I want an Iris book so much!!!

THE ROMANCE & SPICE
Wowza. The spice in this series, and very much in this book, is so damn hot. The tension is off the charts and is palpable!! Had me blushing so much. The mirror scene!!! *bites fist*

The romance had me kicking my feet! Twirling my hair!! Full on GIDDY! I ate up every single interaction between these two. THE YEARNING!!

Ladies In Hating by @alexandravasti

A pair of Gothic novelists trade rivalry for love in this swoony, steamy, sapphic Regency by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti.

Celebrated authoress Lady Georgiana Cleeve has achieved fame and fortune. Unfortunately, she’s also acquired an enemy: the enigmatic Lady Darling, whose spine-tingling plots appear to be pulled straight from Georgiana’s own manuscripts. What’s a stubborn, steely writer to do? Unmask her rival, of course.

But unmasking doesn’t go according to plan—because Lady Darling is actually Cat Lacey, the butler’s daughter and object of Georgiana’s very secret, very embarrassing teenage infatuation.

Cat Lacey has spent a decade clawing her family out of poverty. The last thing she needs is to be distracted by the stunning(ly pretentious) Lady Georgiana Cleeve. But Cat can’t seem to escape her infuriatingly beautiful rival—including at the eerie manor where they both plan to set their next books. The plot unexpectedly thickens, however, when the novelists find themselves trapped in the manor together. In between ghostly moans and spectral staff, Cat and Georgiana come face-to-face with real danger: the scorching passion that’s been haunting their rivalry all along.

Wow, this story was incredibly FUN! Such a unique spin on a regency romance. First, we have a beautiful lesbian love story. Second, we have ghosts! A haunted mansion! Mysterious things happening! It could not have been more fun and cool and it absolutely sucked me in. Get this one on your radar friends! Georgiana and Cat will steal your heart. 💕

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc!
Pub date: 9/24/25

I am, historically (no pun intended), not a fan of period pieces - but this book exceeded my expectations. Truly some of the most beautiful and romantic words I’ve seen in a while, and some really lovely characters with an excellent story all wrapped up in a British bow. I loved every page of this book, and I was really intrigued by the Author’s Note at the end which really dived into her inspiration and gave a bit of queer history. Truly a 5 star read!

I just finished the E-arc of this fun read and I gave it 4/5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I stumbled upon this book by happenstance and the cover and synopsis really intrigued me. I have been in a bit of a reading slump for the past few weeks, and this just sounded like the perfect read to get me out of it. By the time I finished chapter one, I was hooked and didn’t want to put it down. The immediate tension between our two main characters, Cat and Georgiana, was all I needed to keep reading. I am such a sucker for mutual pining in which both parties are in denial of their feelings, and this relationship is FULL of that. Cat and Georgiana’s relationship going from enemies, to friends, to lovers was such a fun ride to be on.
If you’re looking for a fun sapphic read with supernatural elements that’s set in the regency era, look no further. The main characters are both gothic mystery novel authors, and until recently they did not know each other’s true identity (they both use fake author names). Once Georgiana and Catriona discover the truth, we then learn about their previous shared past and we get to go on a journey of them rediscovering each other and falling in love.
I didn’t realize before going into this book, that it’s actually the third in a series, however I do think to stands up as it’s own and I had no issues understanding anything despite not reading the previous books. This book releases in September, so I highly recommend adding it to your TBR this fall. 💕

This book! This book! It was phenomenal. I could not stop turning the pages. The romance mixed with classic gothic suspense was perfect. I’m a sucker for a sapphic regency romance. The pining and tension plays so well on the page. I need several more in this series please!!

Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti is the third book of the Belvoir’s Library trilogy. This book gives you everything you expect from a Vasti novel including memorable settings and situations, banter during sexy time, collaboration between the couple, imperfect, but non-toxic main characters, and your face soaked by tears. In addition, this book offers even more, creating a unique treat of a historical romance. If you like eerie haunted mansions, self-imposed forced proximity, eldest daughter energy, and sapphic romance full of tension and wholesomeness, then this is your book.

Finally, we get Georgiana’s story. She has captivated me from her appearance in the first book of the series when I knew there was something more behind her air-headed act. I admire her transformation into the lead of this novel and I love that she was matched with an equally strong woman, Cat. They compliment each other well and it’s extra fun because the seduction is not one sided. There is give and take from each side. While Cat does more to fill Georgiana’s bucket, it is time for Georgie to do something for herself.

The main plot of two rival Gothic novels was a unique concept that will separate this book from other historical romances in my memory. I was pleased by the pacing of the romance, which gave them time to work through conflicts together. It allowed me to really believe the longevity and depth of their romance.

It is refreshing when the main conflict of a queer romance is not the nature of their relationship. Both of their families offered quiet, but honest acceptance. At the same time, it was not anachronistic and described the life that could exists for a lesbian couple in Regency England. Of course, with a bit of the historical romance Happily Ever After magic.

While their relationship was romance writing at its finest, I was fondest of the story behind the Renwick house and the mysteries it held. The most enjoyable scenes for me were when Georgie and Cat were investigating the house with all of its eerie details. I wish this part of the plot had lasted for many more chapters. I would have soaked it up. It was so fun to see the manor come to life in my mind.

On a side note, I thought they were setting up Iris’s book and MMC. I was so disappointed when I read the author’s acknowledgement that called this a trilogy. Maybe there’s plans for a novella?! This is me begging for Iris’s story.


Get your hands on this book as soon as you can!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. This is my honest review.

This is my first Alexandra Vasti book, I know, shame on me. But! This book has been an absolute delight! Sometimes I find it hard to find sapphic books that aren’t just all spice. But this novel has thee perfect amount of spice. This book has a classic rivals to lovers trope and such an adventure between the two main characters paths. The banter between the main characters was so real and entertaining, had me giggling and smirking the whole way through. I love the end dedication to the queer historians and the love and thought that went into writing this novel. Bravo! Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. This book follows to writing rivals, Ladies Georgiana and Darling (aka "Cat") - they both have had success within the Gothic writing realm. Although, Georgiana feels there are parallels to her writing, and aims to find this Lady Darling. It is then she learns that Lady Darling is actually Cat Lacey, once Georgiana's crush and her butler's daughter. Cat, meanwhile, uses her success to help her family get out of poverty, and doesn't appreciate the distraction of Georgiana. They ultimately both get stuck at the same manor where they intended to set their next books.

At this point, I love all of Alexandra Vasti's books. She has a way of writing clever, fun, and interesting stories, mixing in great steamy scenes with a backdrop of the Regency era. You cannot go wrong with any of her books, and this one may be her best yet (hard to say, I love them all!). Side note, I loved the manor in this book - what fun!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A really enjoyable read. Definitely recommend. This is the first book I’ve read from the author (did not know it was part of a series– my bad) and I’m pretty sure I’ll go back and read her other projects. The protagonists were really likable, although their attitudes could sometimes be frustrating, that made them well rounded characters. Truly enjoyed the romance, the progress of their relationship, etc. The familial relations of both characters were another element that I enjoyed, especially Cat and her brother’s bond.

There were a few sweet moments that pulled at my heartstrings, particularly the reveals about the house and its previous owners. That love story was maybe the sweetest /saddest part of the book.

Some plot points were left kind of in the air. While it’s not a paranormal it does have some supernatural elements, but they are not the main focus, since it’s more of a character driven story than a plot driven one. Even though multiple people had sort of witnessed those inexplicable events and such, they were mostly brushed off, except for Car, whose last sentences in the book were my favorite, although bittersweet. There was the initial conflict of the similarities between the protagonists’ books, and its resolution could have been further explored, because the reasons given for it were kind of too far fetched. I do appreciate that it wasn’t dragged on throughout the story but it could have been resolved with a more profound explanation, in my eyes.

There were a few instances where the internal conflict of the characters seemed a bit repetitive to me, but based on the backstory it is understandable why it would be a recurrent issue, but for the sake of the book, there was a point near the end of the book where it seemed like an unnecessary last hurdle for the couple, when it had already been discussed and settled between the fmcs.

A lovely, cute, quick book. I didn't realize that htis was a part of an interconnected series, so at the start I was a bit confused with the Georgie's lore and friends, but once we began the story I was having so much fun! I loved the backdrop of Renwicke and the rivalry between Georgie and Cat at the start. The mystery of how their novels were similar and then the follow up to the understanding was great. It was a pretty low stress plot, but intriguiging enough to keep me reading. I will say that once their romance began it felt a bit quick and we lost sight of some of the mystery aspects, but also this is a romance book primarily so thats not the craziest. Overall, I really enjoyed! The writing was lovely and the characters were so lovable. Georgie - you are so cute!

Another fun Regency romp from Alexandra Vasti! This book features dueling Gothic novelists and is therefore full of amazing bookish details that had me chuckling — Georgiana’s mother talking about all the special gilt-edged editions was especially delightful. I loved that the B-plot was straight from a Gothic novel as well, with a falling-down mansion, creepy servants (Graves and Mort — see what she did there??), a secret inheritance, coded letters, and buried treasure all playing important roles in the plot. The romance was super swoony, too, with buttoned-up Georgiana and cheeky Catriona making the perfect foe-mance pair. Although I must know if we will eventually get a romance featuring Iris and Selina’s brother Will?

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this book!

Love Georgiana from the first book in the series when she pretended to be dumb to discourage suitors. The rival writer plot/enemies to lovers trope is done wonderfully. Kept me laughing and entertained. A fun sappheric rom-com .

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

The story flows well and the love interests play off each other well. It was a good twist on historical fiction and I enjoyed the journey the book takes you on.

Nothing jumped out at me and it’s not a book I would return to but it was good for a first read.

Thanks for NetGallery and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was literally everything I want in a historical romance. The plot kept me turning the pages, the chemistry made me blush, Alexandra Vasti knocks it out of the park every single time! Can’t wait to read more from her in the future.

This was a very cute and solid read! I loved the dynamic between our main characters and loved the sapphic representation in a historical romance. There was forced proximity, which I loved, and was set in a haunted mansion which gave it a really cool gothic vibe. The cover is also a really pretty pink that you'd for sure want on your shelves! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

So happy I was approved for this arc,
sapphic romance, forced proximity, gothic setting about ghosts and a estate, I love books about estates so I would of got this in a heartbeat. especially about a gothic setting. This is a queer romance and it was so good. I just wish it was easier to read on my kobo I had to read it on the netgalley shelf through my phone which hurt my eyes.
This cover is gorgeous bright, pink perfect for valentines day that just passed. I loved reading about these two characters. Both gothic romance writers. It was perfect.