Book Description 

Harriet Lockhart never planned to marry. She has spent her life defying expectations, playing male roles on London’s seediest stages, and doing whatever she pleases. When Harry is contacted by her hitherto anonymous father, she finds herself at risk of losing the trust fund that’s subsidized her lifestyle—unless she begins to lead a more respectable life, starting with finding a husband.

Emily Sergeant, the picture of modesty, has only ever wanted to marry. And were it not for one mistake in her youth that rendered her a social pariah, she would be appropriately betrothed. Instead, she’s due to wed the only willing—and most abominable—man in her small town. Desperate for an alternative, Emily flees to London to snag a less lecherous fiancé.

Worlds collide, dramatically and hilariously, when both women decide on the very same duke as their best possible chance at a tolerable husband and a secure future. A tongue-in-cheek romp through London’s summer season, from balls to brothels, horseraces to duels, Harry and Emily compete for the duke’s favor, only to find their true hearts’ desires may be more compatible than they could have ever predicted.

My Review 

I’ve only read one of Mackenzi Lee’s other books (Gentleman’s Guide), but I was excited about the opportunity to read this new book because I love queer romances set in the Regency era. 

The two protagonists are delightful on their own and their mutual chemistry just sparkles right off the page. They begin the narrative as enemies both vying for the affection of the same duke but they quickly realize that they have more in common than they initially believed. The banter is top-notch and very entertaining.  

The secondary characters help to make this a well-rounded story, although the villains spent a bit too much time gnashing their teeth to prove that they were baddies and the result devolved into caricature.   

I find myself at a loss for words to express how much I enjoyed this story. It was so fun and there was Shakespeare and a dog named Havoc and schemes and scams and the realization that dukes are trash. 

I would absolutely recommend Lady Like. This is a lovely queer Regency romance full of heart and Big Feelings and great banter. I’m definitely going to pick up a paper copy of this book as well as the audiobook because I enjoyed it so much. I do want to point out that this book is intended for adult readers and is not a YA title.   

I received a digital ARC of this book from Random House/NetGalley.