{Review} A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall

Page count: 480

Publisher: Forever

Published on: May 24, 2022

Genres: Historical romance

Format: paperback - personally purchased

CW: violence (historical and such), attempted kidnapping, misogyny, transphobia, biphobia, lesbophobia, PTSD flashbacks, conversations pertaining to PTSD, ableism, and dead-naming

Rep: lesbian rep, trans rep, gay rep, questioning rep

✨ RATING: 3 stars

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.

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Hey, all!

Welcome back to another review! It's been a minute. Sorry!

I had the pleasure of reading this with my book club. We had a lovely conversation about it. If you're interested in joining, email me or DM me on Instagram!

For me, this book was just okay. I'm actually quite disappointed because the last two Alexis Hall books that I've read have just not scratched the itch for me. Perhaps it's because I wasn't in the mood for historical fiction. Perhaps it was the list of reasons I'll flesh out...now:

I really felt like my main issue was the pacing. It wasn't until I hit the 100ish page mark that I was fully invested. I started this book fully prepared to enjoy and read it lickedy split. However, it was just slow and the characters barely grabbed me. There was so much happening, but I really think that it could have been 100-150 pages shorter. It was really random when the pacing would lag. There wasn't a reason for it other than unnecessary additions to the story.

However, once the romance was established, I was absolutely SWOONING! It was too cute. Gracewood and Viola were so lovely. Gracewood said the most beautiful things and Viola was so articulate in her feelings. Once they got over the communication hump, it was so nice. I love them so much.

I do genuinely think that this is worth reading. I think my issues with the pacing are valid, but I know that so many others adore a more drawn out love story.

Combined with the swoon worthy moments, the representation, and the delightful writing style. I think this is worth a read.

Happy reading!

Olivia
Liv the Book Nerd
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{Review || LivTheBookClub May 2018 BOTM} The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Page Count: 288

Published on: February 13, 2017

Published by: First Second

Genre(s): Graphic Novel, YA, LGBTQAI+, Historical, Romance, Comics

Source: purchased for book club

Age Rating: all ages

Where to Find it: Amazon // Goodreads // Book Depository

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend? Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart. 

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Hey, guys!
    During the month of May, the Liv the Book Club chose The Prince and the Dressmaker as our book of the month. This is a full color graphic novel that takes place in Paris, France during the dawn of the modern age. The novel follows the young seamstress Frances. After creating a unique dress for a noblewoman, France's talent is noticed by the Crown Prince of Belgium: Sebastian. Sebastian hires Frances to become his personal seamstress and enlists her in aiding him in maintaining his secret identity as Lady Crystallia. The two grow close and soon are best friends. Though Frances adores being Sebastian's secret weapon, she longs to live her dream and become a famous fashion designer. 

     This novel was absolutely beautiful. I absolutely adored every bit of it. The characters were so well thought out, their stories were fantastic. The plot was so wonderful and the pace was so addicting. I didn't want it to end. The art style was beyond perfect for the vibe of this book. The writing was phenomenal and stirred up every emotion. The colors and line work were just stunning. I cannot stress the perfection of this book enough. 
      There was a fantastic focus on acceptance and unconditional love in this book. The discussion on gender norms was done so well. This story is going to be one of those influential stories that will brilliantly inform the uninformed reader. Often times, those who are considered different often are dehumanized and forced into a label that does not accurately portray or define who they are. There is a trend lately where people will just make assumptions about people, specific group of people, etc. I think this book has the capability to enable readers to begin to accept people for who they are or even just understand why people are who they are. 

     Overall, this graphic novel is an absolute treat. I highly recommend it to everyone. Happiness is imminent when reading this beautiful story. This is going to be one of my all time favorite books of the year and probably ever. Everyone needs to pick it up.

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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