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. Gracewood, on the other hand, is not only coming to terms with the fact that he was grieving someone who was never actually lost, but he’s also grieving the past version of himself that was stronger, more independent, and more able-bodied—because that's how he's been taught to define his masculinity and because the world has conditioned him to place value in those things. Let's start this reaction off with some honesty: I am very conflicted about my star rating of this review. It merges the past and the present and an unknown future that is thrilling and terrifying for the characters.

It’s a friends-to-lovers romance, and while one of the characters is a trans woman, it never feels like it’s about that. This is the first historical romance I have come across to where queer poeple are not only recognised but also are treated with utmost respect. But more than 2 years have passed since that dreadful day on the battlefield in Waterloo, and Viola has accepted that she will never see Gracewood again.And while this particular characteristic is so perfectly portrayed and used throughout the book, it is not the main focus of it. This story is going to stay with me for a long time, and I want many more books like this, with fearless trans protagonists getting the happily ever afters they so deserve.

Our main heroine Viola is one of the more well-written queer characters in historical romance that I have read recently, giving voice to dysphoria and the trans experience in a way unforeseen previously by me in the genre. Striving to somehow bring him back to his former self, Viola is drawn closer to her former friend, and desires she could never name before are brought to the surface. Despite the centering of Viola and Gracewood’s love story, this is a book that celebrates the many ways people love and are loved. That seems to prevent Hall from fully committing to his villainy, yet making him problematic enough that I’m not comfortable rooting for him in the future. Also, I’ve never read an epilogue that actually improved the book until this one, just absolute perfection.But though this book was definitely historical, and there were certain specifics mentioned, like Waterloo and the Prince Regent. His interactions with his aunt add so much depth to her character, it was beautiful to witness those intimate moments.

A Lady for a Duke” is a story that understands that when it comes to queer folk, just… being is plenty brave enough. But she’s still terrified of being discovered, as back then, it wouldn’t have gone well if she’d been caught. A lush, sweeping queer historical romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material -perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas! There is such an earnestness and lack of pretense between Viola and Gracewood that makes space for so many tender, heart-wrenching interactions and exchanges that will just leave the reader breathless with their clarity and urgency. The plot felt a little bloated in the second half, but it doesn’t change how much I loved the book, and the ending was fantastic.I listened to the audiobook and while I normally love reading in that format, I was choosing to listen to music on my commute instead of the book because it was so boring. He’s also had past sexual experiences which mean he’s comfortable with sex with Viola, and his hatred for his bloodline means he’s completely fine with not having biological children. While not every trans woman experiences bottom dysphoria, the vast majority do and never would have been comfortable doing what she does. Beyond that though this overall was an outstanding novel and is definitely one of the best novels featuring a trans woman main protagonist ever made.