A Lady For A Duke Published by Forever on May 2022
Genres: Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 480
Source: Publisher
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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.
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.
Did you hear that?? That was me screaming at the top of my lungs for this utterly charming and heartfelt book by Alexis Hall.
A Lady For A Duke is the book I didn’t know I needed to read.
Viola Is a fantastic trans heroine whose strength and compassion really make her character shine in this lovely romantic story. Hall does an amazing job really making the reader feel for her. She had everything in her old life, wealth, family, security. But nothing compared to being truthful with who you are. Even if that means leaving your best friend and forever crush behind.
Little did she know, the man she left behind mourned her too, convinced his best friend died on the battlefield.
I love all the things about this story. It’s so deeply romantic and honest.
What wouldn’t you give up if you were able to live your most truthful life?
Justin is so heartbroken and lost. I instantly felt for him and his intense guilt. He felt so responsible for his best friend’s death, having carried his grief with him since the war.. It was such a satisfying transformation to watch him trust again and yes, even love again.
And always, Hall’s writing is solid and on point with just enough humor to effortlessly blend genres of historical romantic comedy with underlying truthful and real challenges of his dramatic characters. The author also writes sensitively and compassionately about his main character and all of the unique and heartbreaking challenges she faced, especially given the time period. There’s some sex (it is an adult romance book remember?) but it’s more of a slow burn romance than a hot steamy sex book.
It is incredibly heartwarming and sweet and I think fans of Hall will not be disappointed!
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
I’m a fan of Alexis Hall but have not tried Historical Fiction from him. I’ve been meaning to pick up his Something Fabulous because it’s Unlimited right now. Reading your review definitely made me want to go on an Alexis Hall reading spree!