Series: None
Author: Alexis Hall
Published May 24th 2022 by Forever/Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
A lush, sweeping queer historical romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material—perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Manda Collins!
When Viola Caroll was presumed dead at Waterloo she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself. But freedom does not come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.
Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognises her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he has become.
As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings. Feelings that would have been impossible once and may be impossible still, but which Viola cannot deny. Even if they cost her everything, all over again.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
For Viola Caroll, being presumed dead at Waterloo was the lifeline she needed to live her true life. She gave up so much to be herself, but the most costly was the loss of her friend, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. Years later, when her sister in law asks for her help in reconnecting with Gracewood, and bringing him back from the brink, if not for himself, but at least for his young sister, Miranda. But meeting Gracewood again, and seeing just how hard he suffered in the loss of his best friend, is hard for Viola, and she yearns to tell him the truth, but is afraid. Afraid of what he would think, and afraid of the blossoming feelings developing between them.
When I first heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it. I haven't read any of Alexis' other books, but this one was too good to give up. Immediately after starting A Lady for a Duke, I was hooked. Viola was the perfect character, and seeing how she coped with her struggles of identity, and finally took the plunge to be Viola, and be the person she was born to be, was amazing. Though she was now herself, the guilt of allowing her best friend to mourn her, and seeing the grief, and the PTSD he was suffering with was difficult, for me, but doubly so for Viola. I adored how her transition, and the truth was dealt with by Gracewood. Clearly, he was upset, and a little angry, but once the initial shock wore off, he was the best friend, and partner, anyone could ask for. There are multiple scenes where Viola is deadnamed, which may be triggering for some people, but I felt as if it was dealt with well, and right for Viola's story. I needed to read on and on, and couldn't put this book down except for work or sleep, and now I'm desperate for Alexis' next book! A perfect LGBT+ historical romance!
Dates Read:
May 4-6, 2022
Rating
4 Stars
