Historical romance with trans heroine
My second book from Alexis Hall, and for now, my favorite. A beautiful story about identity, love, grief, and a hopeful future ❤️ It's been over two years since she was assumed dead in the war, but Viola Caroll is alive; finally living as the woman she knows herself to be. She had to leave behind her title and her best friend, the Duke of Gracewood, who thinks his best friend is dead and is now drowning in grief and narcotics (for his injured leg). When his sister Miranda writes to Violas sister-in-law, where she is staying, they just have to visit to help, and when the two meet again, a new kind of love forms between them. While Gracewoods situation in the beginning is obviously not good and the atmosphere rather sad, the conversations are still so funny. Lady Marleigh (Violas sister-in-law) has a sharp tongue and doesn't hesitate to use it 😂 Miranda is also kinda odd (in the best way), and there are many delightful conversations and banter. All the characters were well made. The feelings arise a bit quick, but it makes sense because they've actually known each other longer, even though Gracewood doesn't recognize her at first. The whole trans representation was done really well. Things were explained in a way that fit the time period and it also dealt with the specific topics of what it means to be a woman in that time (having to learn how to act like one in society etc.). The story generally has a lot of themes about gender roles and expectations surrounding those. A few conversations about that might seem more modern, but I don't think it's unrealistic that some people back then also thought in similar ways. There were always people going against the norm or simply not existing inside of it. Though, I have to say the reactions everyone had about Violas transness felt a bit... too chill?? I am not saying there should have been any kind of transphobia. I like that we have a positive portrayal with a lot of acceptance. People just didn't always react like one would, being confronted with something completely new to them. One can be respectful AND curious, you know 😅 Especially when one of the main conflicts was Viola thinking a woman like her could never be accepted, and then the people that knew didn't even have any questions really. This isn't really a critique, just something I found a bit odd. The love story was just great. One thing I especially loved was how sure Gracewood has always been in his love and desire of her before and after finding out. He had his own struggles and insecurities, but never when it came to his feelings for her 🥹❤️ It took really long for them to get together, but the problems were understandable. Just some conversations were a bit long and seemed to go in circles, and it was a bit drawn out in the middle, but that's really the only critique that I have. I also liked Miranda's part in the story and hope we get a book about her as well. So yeah, a book can totally recommend! Excited to read more from Alexis Hall.
