A queer regency romance with a trans heroine and a beautiful HEA. 

The story follows Viola, a lady’s companion to her sister-in-law, Louise, the new Lady Marleigh. The world believes the first Viscount Marleigh died in the war in France, and in a lot of ways, the Viscount is dead. It’s two years post war and Viola is thrust into society by Louise. First by visiting Viola’s childhood best friend, Gracewood, a Duke and an injured man that is haunted by the ghosts of his past. Gracewood suffers from addiction, PTSD, and a physical war wound to his leg. He blames himself for the death of his friend. Then Viola comes, and his world is brighter with her around. She is afraid to tell him the truth, but they’re falling in love. 

I was genuinely going to give this a 5-star rating by the first third of the book, because it was so beautiful and profound. But the pacing just fell off and the story added unnecessary (or at least underdeveloped and rushed) conflicts and subplots. I adore Mira and Louise and I enjoyed time to see them be their funny, unusual selves. But the random conflict with Amberglass threw me off and was then resolved so quickly it almost felt like it was no big thing. I love Louise and Badger’s marriage and Little Bartholomew was written well for a child character. 

I appreciate that Viola’s transness wasn’t a central and persistent conflict in the story or used as a plot device. She was at risk of normal issues of having her reputation damaged as any other lady. I also like that the story wasn’t just about love or transitioning, it was about healing after tragedy and trauma. Gracewood had to learn that a man is more than his ability to fight and have money. He also needed to learn to be kind to himself and how to love Viola and how to love his sister. We also had Lady Lillimere who was known to seduce ladies and Mira who was unsure if she liked both men and women. It was made clear in the story that the trans and queer elements were part of this world and not made to be some rarity, but still remained secret for reputation sake (much like actual history). 

And I appreciate that it started with Viola entering society and not her past as the Viscount. Even with her and Gracewood’s past off-page, you could FEEL the history and chemistry and love and connection between them. Plus, a great on-page sex scene. It’s a bit awkward and the explanation a little long, but I suppose those conversations happen all the time and are necessary. 

It’s definitely worth the read, I just wished that it didn’t drag on after such a emotional, fast paced beginning.