When she encounters the Duke of Gracewood years later she’d shocked at his depression and overall hiding from life. The way the individual characters develop and deal with the various challenges facing them was entirely believable. Reacquainting myself with Alexis Hall's writing paid off in flying colors - maybe, it's time I reconsider my hesitation to finally read Husband Material, as well. The earnest, tentative way each part of the couple approached each other hoping for acceptance and love for who they are in this moment and seeing them not only accepted, but adored, was so beautiful it moved me to tears. I hope we’ll see much more from this world, and that some of the supporting characters from A Lady for a Duke might get their own novels.

The plot felt a little bloated in the second half, but it doesn’t change how much I loved the book, and the ending was fantastic. Navarrians had always been told that these were monsters of legend and myth, not real creatures dangerously close to breaking through Navarre’s wards and attacking civilian populations. Like I said before I loved the characters, main and side, but this book struggled to hold my interest for long periods of time.They were doing fresh things in this story, thank goodness, and Justin and Viola got to semi-react to those events throughout the novel. The perfect historical romance does exist, and Alexis Hall has not only proven that but achieved that with flying colors in this truly unforgettable book. She and her sister-in-law travel to the Duke's estate with the goal of rescuing his younger sister in favor of giving her a season in London. She joined the army with her dearest friend, Justin De Vere, the Duke of Gracewood, and after being presumed dead at Waterloo, took the opportunity to start to live honestly as herself. This book is out 5/24 and I can’t wait for everyone else to fall in love with Viola, Gracewood, and their epic romance.

This review discusses individuals who may have identified as trans given they had the language to do so, and some quotes may use language that would not be correct, but I have made best efforts to use thoughtful language.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. Justin de Vere, Duke of Gracewood, was overwrought with guilt over losing his best friend, 'the joy of his life'.