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.
A Lady for a Duke is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 24th 2022.
Will you be picking up A Lady for a Duke? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
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.
