A Lady for a Duke

By: Alexis Hall

Narrated by: Kay Eluvian

Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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!

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)!

So freaking beautiful

Alexis Hall's gorgeous writing is a perfect match for this homage to the gothic, sweeping romance. Viola and Gracewood have my heart. I've never read a romance between a man and a trans woman that is written just like any other romance. No stigma, no judgment, no salaciousness.... yes, plenty of angst and, you know, feelings. 🥹❤️ The cast of characters is wonderful as well. Excellent narration. #transisbeautiful

simply the best

I have been looking forward to A Lady for a Duke since I first read the synopsis. Alexis Hall has such a profound way of writing characters who are so authentic, so beautifully queer that it makes me wish I could dive into each and every world.

Viola and Justin’s story, their journey to loving each other, was so breathtakingly, achingly beautiful. I love that we got such a complex exploration of gender and societal norms set in a regency novel!!! If all regency novels were this beautifully written and this queer, I would read each and every one. Viola is such a strong, amazing person! Her journey to loving herself was just… awe-inspiring. Justin’s pain and heartache, his love and commitment were so sweet and pure. I love that even though Viola is living her life as a woman now, she and Justin still subverted the gender norms of what it means to be a man, let alone a Duke, and a woman. There were so many layers to this story and each page delivered just what I was hoping for!!

Also, the narrator Kay Eluvian!??? Amazing! Truly made the audiobook experience and felt like I really knew these fantastic characters!

A loving, delightful fairy tale

This was such a sweet story and so beautifully written. The imagery and vibrant language, each colorful turn of phrase, employed by the author were a sheer joy to listen to. The story is definitely not period-accurate: Modern social ideals and outlooks have been overlaid upon the format of the early-1800s English aristo culture, and it results in a confection of a book that'll leave the reader wistfully thinking how much happier and more fulfilled people would be "if only things really were that way." I quite enjoyed this book.

A Beautiful Queer Period Romance

I'm absolutely in love with Lady Carroll and her Duke. they've both grown much in their time apart after the war, their growing pains sharp and present when they meet again. Each character's arch is lovely. I particularly appreciate the time invested in the last few chapters.

Kay Eluvian's wonderful performance adds depth and nuance to the dialog. I'm so impressed with her as a narrator.

Beautiful Queer Historic Romance

I loved this story so much. The characters were so rich and the narrator did a fantastic job of creating unique voices for them all. This is the best audio book I have listened to in years!!

One of top five romances I’ve ever read

I laughed.

I cried.

I swooned.

I ached.

I’ve never read a book that had me so much in its thrall a this one, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone who loves to read about people falling in love.