I'm just obsessed with this book! Cat and Georgie were such entertaining characters, and the entire plot was so much fun that it consumed all my thoughts even when I had to stop reading to attend to real-life things. Despite it being the third book in a series, it was a standalone, which was great for me since I didn't realize it was part of a series when I started reading. I'll be going back and reading the first two Belvoir's Library books ASAP now because of how much I enjoyed immersing myself in this world!

I loved the slight mystery and the fact that any communication problems were sorted out relatively quickly throughout this book. I loved the family dynamics and the clear character growth and development. I loved that the story went to places I didn't expect, although, admittedly, I love to go into a story not trying to predict where it might take me. I'd recommend Ladies in Hating to anyone who enjoys sapphic romances in historical settings, particularly those involving rival Gothic novelists.

DNF'd at 44%

For a book title "Ladies in Hating", there was a severe lack of hatred. The romance happened way too fast and it made me lose interest since my favorite parts of romance books are the yearning and tension. I was really disappointed in this book.

This book strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted romance and actual character depth; it’s an easy read without the characters or plot becoming boring or predictable. Exactly the kind of sapphic fiction we need in the world right now!!

Alexandra Vasti never misses! She's done it again with LADIES IN HATING. A sapphic historical romance about rival gothic novelists with soo much yearning and banter and spice that are the trademarks of Vasti's writing. I loved the gothic mansion setting and mystery alongside the romance, as well as the exploration of queer love in historical times. Highly recommend!

Two authors whose books keep ending up with the same dark plotlines are forced to spend time together in a haunted house. A spicy enemies to lovers story ensues. Underneath all the animosity lies a romantic tension they may not be able to resist. An interesting read for sure. Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

“It’s difficult. To believe that you deserve happiness when the world would tell you that you do not.”

this was a super cute sapphic historical romance.

i enjoyed the rivalry and banter in the beginning, and the dilapidated, gothic mansion with spooky vibes. i enjoyed cat and georgiana both as protagonists and they felt v interesting w their respective backstories.

i was a little sad that we're lead away from the mansion quite quickly from a mystery, but the absolute simping on both their behalfs helped make up for it.

“You cannot possibly imagine how long and how desperately I have wanted you.”

i also enjoyed the historical note at the end from author about real life influences, esp from queer figures in regency history.

overall, it was a fun read and i would read more by vasti! (i have my eye on iris for a next book 👀)

Vulnerability was not so fearsome a thing when one knew oneself to be loved.

an honest arc review ♡

MY FAVORITE of the Belvoir’s Library series, LADIES IN HATING features a decadently rich setting, delicious tension between our leading ladies, and made me cry a few times.

Alexandra Vasti always does a remarkable job with her characters—they leap off the page and feel so genuinely real to me, and Georgie and Cat were no exception. This book had everything I want to read in a romance and more.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins for an advanced copy of this lovely book! Opinions are my own.

A Sapphic historical romance is not usually my thing but I got sucked in.

The wit and banter. The puppy! The rival to lovers.
The book started off slow and then I couldn't put it down.
Not one for historical fiction, but wanting to branch out- I loved it.

It was like being absorbed into a different time.
I didn't expect the spooky bits.

Okay what in the world did they put in this book that it made me laugh, cry, and get scared?! I dont usually read thrillers or mysteries or horror because they give me nightmares, but romance books with spooky elements dont usually scare me. BUT OMG I had to only read this book in the mornings because I was getting so scared HAHAHAHA. But I am more sensitive to that so I think in general most people would think its the right amount of spooky.
The spice in this book was *chef's kiss* perfection! These ladies had the enemies to horny lovers vibes perfected. It was also romantic and sweet. Although the book did have a bit of miscommunication between the main characters, it wasn't too much or too dramatic since they had the mystery/ haunting/ murder situation as the main plot line.
I will definitely recommend this book to ANYONE who likes rom coms, historicals, & queer stories. It was so well done! 5 STARS <3

My new favorite historical sapphic romance by one of my new favorite historical romance authors. Alexandra Vasti combines sapphic yearning with queer chaos with found and real family with steam with genuinely laugh out loud humor in this book and I delighted in every second of it.

Her books have all the charm that make her a perfect successor to Georgette Heyer (if Heyer weren’t a horrible person) and I cannot wait to read more from her. I was so sad to read in the author’s note that this was the last book in the Belvoir’s series. It seemed like Vasti was setting up Iris and Selina’s brother, though I’m holding out hope that’ll just be the start to the next series 🤞🏻

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a review for an ARC copy of Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti from NetGalley.

The story follows two gothic authors in London. This novel started off slow, however, about 50% through the pace really picked up with turns left and right. I really enjoyed the story as it progressed! A little paranormal, a little mystery, a little romance, and a little history, all tied together with a nice stocking bow.

3.5 rounded up

A sapphic historical romance about two gothic authors? Sign me up! The banter, especially in the first half, was a great time and I only wish it extended more into the second half. I was rooting for them throughout and while there was a lot going on, I had a fun time.

A perfect pick for a sweet fun read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Thank you to NetGalley to St. Martin’s Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was SO up my alley. It’s got that meta gothic murder mystery energy that just feels deliciously self-aware in the best way. The prose is elevated and still super readable, something I love as reader.

Trope city in the best way: enemies to lovers, secret identities, and yes, everyone is gay. I ate it up.

Even though it’s technically part of a trilogy, it stands perfectly well on its own. I didn’t feel like I missed anything, but I still immediately wanted to pick up the other books because I’m clearly a new fan of this author.

The historical setting is really approachable for readers who aren’t deep into historical romance. There’s a manor, there are carriages, but it read more contemporary than others I’m used to as an avid fan of this period.

This was a solid 4 stars from the start but a good author’s note on historical accuracy will always bump a book up in my ratings. For fans of the gothic genre, Anne Lister, and other historical queer figures.

5⭐️. When they talk about lush settings in literature, I
think they mean this rose garden. Like, this one specifically. Romantic and eery. Dangerous for the lovers and the living alike.

Throughout this dreamy gothic romance, the feeling I had as a reader was “expectation/anticipation” (feelings that so closely mirror the fear and anxiety at the heart of any ghost story worth its salt).

I am appropriately haunted by Renwick House. Even now, weeks after reading this ARC. You can tell every detail was thought out and served the narrative. Cat and Georgie’s story could not have been told anywhere else. From a reader’s perspective, the looming gothic and spectral undertones throughout Ladies and Hating have us holding our breath (for different reasons than our heroines) but making us a part of the story in a real way. As if every door opened by Cat or Georgie — or every page turned by me — might unearth a ghost or secret of this residence none of us are prepared for. I love this dynamic reading experience and it’s not an exaggeration to compare the feeling to Wuthering Heights or Edith Wharton’s ghost stories (Mr Jones, anyone?)

And yet, Ladies in Hating also reminds us that the gothic novel is always about more than fear.

Cat and Georgie don’t really fear ghosts or even a dead body in the garden (perhaps, though, they do have a care for the rogue bat). Rather, they fear not being accepted - for who they love, for their writing.

As with any good historical romance, Vasti delivers a slow burn between Cat and Georgiana, their chemistry ever sizzling beneath the surface.

As with any GREAT historical romance, it’s so much more than that. These two are so beautifully and painfully similar - not just in their profession, interests, and their deep commitment to family, but in the ways their pride threatens their joy, and the matching hard exteriors that mask two of the most vulnerable heroines I’ve ever read.

Another magical read from Vasti. Bravo.

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti & SMP for this amazing ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶.5/5

🐕 Period Sapphic Romance
🌹 Delicious Banter
🐕 Ghosts
🌹 A well placed thigh
🐕 A dog named Sir Bacon
🌹 Longing
🐕 Friends to enemies to lovers
🌹 Gentleman Jack vibes

This was cute. If you're into period romances with a little bit of ghost stories and mystery you'll enjoy "Ladies in Hating". The sapphic romance was fun and fiesty with our main characters growing up together, separating, and becoming rivals, and the tension was delicious during their rivalry. The banter was written appropriately for the time period and had me giggling. Cat is more secure in her desires than Georgiana and it was a pleasure watching their characters develop.

I think the romance aspect of the book got lost at times and there were portions that struggled to hold my attention. Overall it was a good read and had some laugh out loud and swoon worthy moments.

As always, a great read from Alexandra Vasti. Delightful, cozy, full of tension and deep feelings with thoughtful but honest commentary on the time. Honestly, I was kicking my feet. The characters are well thought out, the plot wasn´t complex (and I am a plot driven reader) but it was entertaining and I didn´t double think it while reading. Good enough to read in a sitting. Cements her status as a must read author for me.

This was SUCH a charming enemies=to-lovers mystery romance! The Regency vibes and rival authors were such a fun mashup, the voice was so charming and playful and perfectly understated, and the themes about women's agency at the time were pitch perfect. I loved it—can't wait to read more by Vasti!

Received as an ARC read, thank you so much!

I absolutely loved the creepy setting of the manor, and the first plot point of the mystery of who the FMCs rival was. I fell in love with Catriona and Georgiana’s story and interconnected lives.

I wish the plot point of the mansion didn’t fall off for the second portion of the book, my only complaint!

I had high hopes for this story, as it included many facets I typically enjoy (and hello, look at that gorgeous cover!), however, it fell a bit flat for me.

Georgiana and Cat were set up as rivals at the beginning, but their conflict was resolved rather quickly and was primarily one-sided. I absolutely loved the fiery banter between them early on and would have liked to see that dynamic continue throughout the story. Despite that, there was some lovely dialogue between them that was very emotional.

Plot-wise, there seemed to be too much going on. While the story had several interconnected threads, none of them felt fully developed, despite the overall slow pacing.

That said, it was a low-angst read with some heartfelt moments. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

A deliciously witty and richly romantic romp through the shadows of Regency England, Alexandra Vasti’s latest offers readers a beguiling blend of gothic intrigue, literary rivalry, and slow-burn sapphic yearning.

Lady Georgiana Cleeve is every inch the esteemed authoress, sharp-tongued, high-society, and used to being the cleverest person in the room. That is, until her newest literary nemesis, the elusive Lady Darling, begins publishing chillingly similar tales. But what starts as a mission to expose a plagiarist quickly unravels into something far more intoxicating when Georgiana discovers her rival is none other than Cat Lacey, the butler’s daughter and a ghost from her blushing youth.

Vasti excels at crafting characters whose sparring is as delicious as their chemistry. Cat is all grit and simmering ambition, a heroine forged in hardship, while Georgiana hides vulnerability behind aristocratic hauteur. Their banter crackles with tension, and when the pair find themselves sequestered in a possibly haunted manor, the novel takes full advantage of its gothic trappings: creaking halls, vanishing servants, and a supernatural atmosphere that heightens every stolen glance and near-touch.

What truly elevates the novel is its unabashed embrace of romance in all its messy, tender glory. Vasti doesn’t just write steam; she writes ache, desire laced with regret, hope, and hard-earned trust. The result is both a swoony page-turner and a deft meditation on class, ambition, and the transformative power of storytelling.

A hauntingly good time, clever, passionate, and brimming with charm.

This may be random, but I think you'll like this if you like Disney's Haunted Mansion. Haha.