I am so in love with A Lady for a Duke. Talk about my latest adult romance obsession. This historical fiction romance is perfect for fans of society introductions. It’s a queer romance which absolutely stole my heart. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: deadnames, misgendering, PTSD, ableism, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol abuse
A Lady for A Duke scooped my heart out. This is a must read for queer adult historical fiction romance fans. The war and her supposed death allowed Viola to come into her own. But it left Gracewood deeply mourning his best friend and lead him into isolation and drug abuse after his injury. So when Viola’s sister-in-law endeavors to save Gracewood’s sister, Viola begrudgingly attends, scared to see Gracewood again. All of their interactions warmed my heart.
To see Viola so torn apart at witnessing her best friend in such pain. But also to see the ways their souls speak to each other. The ways in which she always knows what to say, is able to illicit laughter, and then love. In many ways, A Lady for a Duke feels like friends to lovers and second chance romance all wrapped into one. Being dual POV allows us to see how conflicted Viola is, while also seeing Gracewood fall in love.
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I ended up reading A Lady for a Duke in a matter of days. It was one of those books I always wanted to keep reading. That I would think about as I fell asleep and was anticipating when I’d be able to read again. Don’t even get me started on how much I adored some of the side characters! They deserve their own spin offs RIGHT NOW. If you love a story about yearning, about two people who must figure out if they can carve out a new space for themselves, who find their ways back to each other – this is for you. It has utterly bewitched me and I can’t wait to read it again. Find A Lady for a Duke on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.