“I love you as a man loves a woman, but we both know that love is not bound by such narrow terms. So instead let me simply tell you that I love you
“I love you as a man loves a woman, but we both know that love is not bound by such narrow terms. So instead let me simply tell you that I love you."
Reading this book was like devouring my favourite cheese cake. Every moment was a treat; every second - sweet and delightful. "A Lady for A Duke" is ultimately a comfort read but still manages to make you shed some tears. At least, I CRIED.
A best friends to lovers queer romance featuring a trans heroine and a grieving self destructive hero. This book is about self discovery and finding love when you aren't even expecting to!
"A Lady for A Duke" isn't very different from any other good historical romances out there. Lush setting, polished prose, noble society, friends, families, conspiracies, humor etc etc. But Alexis Hall adds an exceptional TWIST to the mixture. This book features a trans heroine. I didn't about it when the book first came out. So I didn't pay much attention to it. But when I found out that "A Lady for A Duke" casts a trans woman as the main character, I was absolutely mind blown. This is the first historical romance I have come across to where queer poeple are not only recognised but also are treated with utmost respect. I have read a lot of books featuring trans man. It might come as a surprise but I had never read a book with a trans woman as the main character before this one. And, I never thought I would find my perfect, desired scenario in a historical romance. I am mind blown will be a understatement to be honest.
I loved the cast of characters. The characters in A Lady For a Duke are all beautifully drawn. The main two characters, as well as, the supporting characters are amazing. Viola is the strongest, fiercest and loveliest heroines I have read about, in a long time. I loved her so much. I loved her strength, her intelligence, her determination and most of all her blunt nature. Viola had to give up everything she knew, in order to be her authentic self. Hall doesn’t just blatantly have Viola say how hard living her new life has been, but instead shows the reader through Viola’s actions and interactions with both friends from her old life as well as her new. I really enjoyed the transgender representation. Alexis Hall handles the topic with care and caution. The book community has made a lot of progress during the last few years. Wonderful trans rep is not anything new tbh. But Hall takes it to another level. I can't really explain it. So, I am gonna let it be with saying, I loved it!
Though I loved Viola, the the Duke of Gracewood was my favourite character in this book. He's the most caring, supportive and understanding hero I have ever met. He never let Viola feel "fake" or "unwanted". From the moment, he finds out that his former best friend wasn't a man but a woman, he starts referring her as "She". It made me so happy. I was crying happy tears after witnessing that such amazing men exist; might have existed even centuries ago...Loved Justin's character. He isn't perfect by any means. He is ill-tempered, grumpy and self destructive. But he's also become one of my favourite characters of all time. The portraiture of his grief and PTSD was (once again) perfect.
Now let's talk about the ROMANCE. God! How gorgeous the romantic relationship is! Their banter, their communication, mutual respect, understanding, love - everything were absolutely breath taking. "A Lady for A Duke" is a sweeping historical romance that is equally fluffy and emotional. From pet names to lovely monologues confessing deeply hidden feelings, Hall knows how to write an emotionally fulfilling main couple. The only word to describe it is beautiful, and yet that word is inadequate for how Viola and Gracewood’s unfolding love story will make you feel.
I loved Hall's prose in this book. Of course, it was different from the author's usual rom-com books. It did felt a little stiff at time but I rarely noticed because I was busy in swooning over the main couple. Basically, what I mean is, even if you aren't a regular historical reader, you'll still enjoy the heck out this book.
The pacing was a bit messy. That's the only complain I have with this book.
"A Lady for A Duke" isn't just a romance book, it's an artful masterpiece. One of the best queer romances out there. I would highly recommend everyone to read it....more
We finally have a *gorgeous* and *scary* cover, a synopsis and a possible release date for the final book. I'm super excited. Need to get my hands on We finally have a *gorgeous* and *scary* cover, a synopsis and a possible release date for the final book. I'm super excited. Need to get my hands on it as soon as it comes out. ...more
Impeccably sweet but also very realistic. "Icebreaker" is a beautiful, riveting, eye-opening and heart☆ The Story : 4 stars ☆ The Audiobook : 3 stars
Impeccably sweet but also very realistic. "Icebreaker" is a beautiful, riveting, eye-opening and heart-warming book. A must read for the fans of "All for the Games" trilogy. The ending was underdeveloped, slightly unsatisfying. Otherwise, every single page of this book screams- PERFECTION.
A. L. Graziadei's Icebreaker is a stunning YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that catches them by surprise along the way. It's a wonderful piece of a novel that follows some most relatable characters ever and explores some very important themes; makes you laugh and makes you sob- all within the boundary of 400 pages.
In this book we are following a 17 years old boy named Mickey James. He from a very privileged family bearing a lot of pressure from family and peers. As a talented hockey player with a family legacy in the NHL, Mickey is a top contender for a spot in the upcoming NHL draft. However, when his rival ends up playing for the same college team, Mickey must work harder to earn his place. While Mickey and Jaysen are rivals, they are also teammates who must learn to work together, and as Mickey starts to get to know his teammate better, he realizes that Jaysen isn’t so bad, and that he may even like him.
I loved our main character Mickey. It's not a secret that I have a soft spot for characters struggling with their mental health. So, of course I loved Mickey very very much. Mickey is bi-sexual. The bi rep is great. Jaysen is also an amazing character and interesting love interest. The siblings dynamic among Mickey and his sisters warmed my heart.
The whole hockey team is great. Jaysen and Mickey's friends are very supportive and loving. Icebreaker portrays the Found Family trope (which is my all time favourite) and it does that flawlessly. I am comparing it to All For The Game trilogy for a reason of course....
I really enjoyed the romance. It is slow-burnt and steady. The build-up is wonderful, you can actually feel the tension brewing between them. Mickey and Jaysen's interactions are nice aThe romance doesn't get enough scene-time. The book actually doesn't even focuses on the romance despite what the blurb hints. The romance is used as a subplot. Overall it is satisfying and sweet.
I loved how Graziadei have approached Mickey’s depression. It’s so clearly present in the way he interacts with others but also in those moments where he’s alone and really turning inward, feeling the utter despair and hopelessness that comes with depression. I myself have suffered from severe anxiety and depression in the past, so without any doubt, I can say that the representation is accurate. I loved the attention Graziadei have given to the details. The book also discusses themes of privilege and dealing with peer pressure. It shows us how important role family plays in our lives. Our families may not be perfect but at the end of the day, they are very dear and near to us.
Icebreaker is a stunning debut that I would highly recommend to everyone out there. The book itself is short and very easy to read. From the writing to characterization- everything is done well. My only complain would be about the writing. It could have been better.
｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡
↠Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the audio-book arc of this book in exchange for my honest review....more
"So This Is Ever After" is a story that begins at the end. The plot is really unique and unlike anything I have read before. But the b➵ 1.5 stars
"So This Is Ever After" is a story that begins at the end. The plot is really unique and unlike anything I have read before. But the book, in a nutshell, is as bad as they go...
✯ We follow our main character Arek throughout the whole book. A prophecy said that Arek was destined to save the Kingdom of Ere from its evil role. And it did come true. Arek was chosen and he saved the Kingdom. But he never really thought much about what would happen once he and his ragtag team of friends complete the prophecy. What Arek definitely didn’t expect, though, was finding himself accidentally crowned king and caught up in a curse that requires him to find his soulmate before he turns 18 or either end up killed.
✯ This book is hilarious. It's witty, it's charming and offers the readers lots of cute moments to swoon over. It made me laugh out loud several times. I also enjoyed the plotline and the writing style. The friendship among the rag-tag group is phenomenal. They are so amazing together. The lgbtaq+ representation is really good too...
✯ Now, let's move to the part where I talk about the defaults and errors of this book. The romance is shitty. Sorry for straight up calling it shitty, but it actually is. There are lots of moments of pinning and miscommunication. The main couple talk to each other about everything but their feelings. They have such an easy and funny banter going on, yet all in vain. They don't get together until the very last chapter or so. I know the characters are young, they aren't supposed to act with maturity...still it was too much for me to handle. They defeat the biggest evil, they rule the entire Kingdom, yet they act like the stupidest persons in the world. At times, I thought they (specially Arek) don't even deserve to be the rules (or King in Arek's case). The characters are easily forgettable and do not have much of any sorta personality. Truly underwhelming and disappointing.
✯✯ Now now now....minor spoilers ahead.
Arek loved Matt. But he never confesses. He stays oblivious when Matt starts to give him clues or tries returning his feelings. Instead he sets off to "Woo" other poeple. He spends sooo much time on "Wooing" others but he has no time for at least try and see what's in Matt's heart. Stupid. Stupid Stupid. Okay, it still was okay. I didn't mind the whole miscommunication plot...
But then Arek has to go on and get a "boner" for another person. Several "boners" maybe...and he thinks that's totally cool.
I am ending this review here. I have sudden lost my appetite to write...I don't even think about all those weird and improper things that happened in this book...
Don't read it if you want to keep your sanity intact. Bye....more
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