Either way, it was nice to see an example of a trans character in something like regency England living a happy life and being able to have a family, despite all the challenges she would have faced. Of course we may never know how d’Eon would self identify with contemporary language and a more evolved understanding of gender. And going off the author's note at the end I'm assuming there is more books to come with secondary characters, or at least one, and I can't wait. I don't think I've read any new HR release that devotes this much page count in decoding an evolving relationship dynamic, as well as the psychological impact on the parties involved (the only comparable one I can think of is Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale); the commitment wholeheartedly pays off as I was left wanting more after the epilogue wrapped up (which by the way was extremely joyful and poignant). Again, there's no judgment value placed on these new endeavors that Viola has to take on, but simply an acknowledgement that this shift in priorities and expectations placed upon her is very much a real thing she has to learn how to balance.

Gracewood’s development as a character is incredibly powerful: healing from his father’s harsh parenting, changing his relationship to the lineage of power he descends from, and relearning how to be a man outside of the strict gender roles he was taught. But the cost is heavy: her childhood friend, with whom she was as close as family, thinks she is lost. As cliché as it may be to say, this is one of those stories that will make you believe in love and give you a reason to hope. 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. Now she’s back home, and her sister-in-law convinces her to visit her former best friend, the Duke of Gracewood.As if queer stories can only exist or be interesting based on how much abuse is endured within them. 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. A lush, sweeping queer historical romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material -perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas!

By telling this story in a time period where women were so defined by the rules of society, it sheds an even bigger light on some of the more absurd notions of masculinity and femininity that we still hold to this day. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how outstanding the sex scenes are: hot and tender all at once, with some negotiation about what is and isn’t okay, what the two characters do and don’t want, which frankly is something I could use more of in romance. Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. The biographer views d’Eon’s transition as seemingly as much—or possibly more—having to do with d’Eon’s religiosity as gender.Hall delivers a profound look at gender roles, and explores how physical perception affects the relationship between these two characters.