A Lady for a Duke

By: Alexis Hall

Narrated by: Kay Eluvian

From the bestselling author of Husband Material comes a lush, sweeping queer historical romance where sparks fly between childhood friends after a life-changing separation—perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas!​

When Viola Carroll 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.

©2022 Alexis Hall (P)2022 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

“Hall has a gift for humor but is also skilled at composing passages that evoke the deepest emotions, whether the ache of long-denied love, crushing grief or the relief and soulful joy of being accepted and adored as one's most authentic self.”–Library Journal, Starred Review

This is perfection

the voice acting is great, the story is beautiful and I truly think it's perfect

Lovely LGBTQIA+ romance - ideal Pride Month treat

The concept and the characters were well executed throughout - my only (minor) complaint would be that the pacing was slightly inconsistent; once or twice I wished for a little less "pining" and more getting on with the plot.

The narrator did an excellent job differentiating between characters which helped draw me into their world quickly. I especially enjoyed the voicings of Viola and Lady Marley!

Angsty Slow Burn

I went into this thinking it would be a rom com, based on having read some other books by the same author. I think my reactions to this book were then largely effected by it turning out instead to be an angsty, slow burn that had me frustrated with all the characters for about 2/3 of the book - how can one possibly not recognize their best friend?! This is not to say there isn't any comedy in this, but prepare for hours of drama and angst. I did of course like the book a lot, especially the last 1/3 where the couple finally stops getting in their own way and had to foil a kidnapping.
I love that the narrator is a Trans woman, which brings more authenticity to Viola.

Amazing Book

This is one of my favorite books I’ve stumbled on. We need more like THIS. More books about us, written by people who GET us. I love that I showed the blurb to my wife and had to *explain* why it was important. I love that the narrator was clearly chosen with great thought. I love the humor and genuineness of this book. I love the characters and the hope I have for sequels. Do yourself a favor y’all, and read this.

very enjoyable romp

We need more books like this, with positive LGBT characters. They're all lovely. There are some laugh out loud moments, some serious moments, and some very romantic moments. it's an excellent mix. The narrator does a superb job. I got the book on Kindle as well, but after reading the ending, I went back to listen to it just to listen to it in his voice.

interesting

enjoyed most of the book. some parts were a little slow, but ocer all very interesting.
reader read too slowly for me. I spead up to 1.4 while listening.

Beautiful

I absolutely LOVED this book. What a beautiful, amazing, wonderful story about making your own path in life despite others expectations and finding yourself along the way.

Absolute perfection

It was expertly preformed and wonderfully written. I’m so glad content like this exists and is so readily available. It was a touching and breathtakingly beautiful romance. I didn’t want it to end!

Achingly sweet

The narration was perfect throughout. I loved her voices for the various characters and the emotion behind them. The writing was perfection. I was engaged every minute of the story. Also bless the ending, it left me grinning ear to ear.

Fabulous!

A romantic Regency slow burn with an “if only” twist: a trans heroine!

Viola was lovely, but I fell in love with our Duke—what a flawed and perfect man!

Bring your suspension of disbelief and be ready to cry and laugh in this romance which turns best friends into lovers with many of the historical roadblocks in place for people of society.

Fabulous narration!

One flaw, if possible, was the dukes’s transition from NO to YES. Gloss over that bit and it’s 5 Stars all the way! Very well done discussions surrounding identity and position in life.

You’re in for a treat (with some spicy sexy times)!