Ladies in Hating is a clever and well-written queer Regency romance which neatly wraps up the Belvoir’s Library trilogy.

Ladies in Hating, a new novel by Alexandra Vasti, was one of my most anticipated books of 2025. When I realized that I could request an advanced reader copy of this book as a Read Now title on Netgalley, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read it early.

Ladies in Hating is set about seven years after Ne’er Duke Well, the first book in the Belvoir’s library trilogy. This book follows Lady Georgiana Cleeve and her childhood friend turned teenage crush Catriona Lacey as they unravel mysteries relevant to both of their pasts, pen their own respective Gothic novels, and resolve a years-long family estrangement on Georgiana’s family’s part, in addition to neatly wrapping up their stories and those of the characters we initially met throughout the course of Ne’er Duke Well and Earl Crush. Resolving all these matters as it does, Ladies in Hating is a fitting end to Alexandra Vasti‘s first full length trilogy of romance novels.

I am a big fan of Alexandra Vasti‘s novellas and novels, so it likely comes as no surprise that I also loved Ladies in Hating. Vasti’s subtle humour and detailed characterization work is threaded throughout the book and forms a strong spine in which our main characters apply themselves to solving the mystery of not only the similarities in their published novels, but also to paternity questions, long-lost jewelry belonging to a queer couple of many years earlier, and a haunted Gothic manor house. I also really enjoyed Georgiana‘s journey to reconciling the immense guilt she feels over her cruel father‘s reaction to finding out she was a Gothic novelist, and how that revelation impacted Belvoir’s library and Selina’s life when the revelation initially came out, as well as the impact it had on Georgiana’s decision to isolate herself from her family going forward, in order to protect her brothers' prospects. It is immensely satisfying how Vasti resolves all of these threads in the course of the book; she treats family revelations with the same respect as romantic ones, which makes the characters feel well-rounded and the world fully fleshed-out in a way many romance novels ignore in favour of prioritizing one single romantic storyline.

Lastly, at the very end of Ladies in Hating, I enjoyed finding out in the author’s note that the outlines of this novel are not only grounded in historical fact, but they are much more so than I would have anticipated. I love that the novel highlights that queer people like Georgiana and Catriona not only existed throughout history, but that Alexandra Vasti has taken the time here to engage with the past and she presents these stories in a terribly romantic and entertaining light in this novel. Academic treatments for the lives of queer people in this time period are wonderful to have, but the integration of these kinds of stories into well-written romance novels like this one will bring these stories to more people‘s attention, and that is wonderful to see.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing this book for review consideration; all opinions above are my own.

ladies in hating - arc review
Lady Georgina Cleeve has worked very hard to become a known author and to amass the fame and fortune that has provided for her and her mother, which is why Georgina takes it extra personally when Lady Darling, another author, begins publishing novels that seem to be pulled right out of her own manuscripts. With a plan to unmask her and confront the author, Georgina’s plan quickly falls through when she discovers Lady Darling to be none other than Cat Lacey, the object of her teenage infatuation. enter the eerie manor where both novelists plan to set their upcoming books where the novelists now found themselves trapped and in between the spectral staff of this haunted manor.

i really enjoyed Georgina and her witty approach towards most things, including ( and maybe especially? ) Cat Lacey. i also really appreciated that while this was a secret identity trope, it wasn’t one that was drawn out or dragged on for the sake of tropes sake. the haunted mansion setting for a romance was much different than anything else i had read, but i did find i enjoyed it more than i thought i would.

tropes and things
- sapphic regency romance
- rivals to lovers
- dual pov
- lady jane meets haunted mansion vibes

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Ladies in Hating—a sapphic, second-chance historical romance with a deliciously gothic twist.

Getting trapped in a haunted manor with a rival gothic novelist might be my new favorite trope. This one felt slower and more intimate than some of Alexandra Vasti’s other books, but in a way that really worked for the story and characters.

The chemistry between the Lady Georgiana and Cat is undeniable, and I loved seeing their tension unravel against the eerie backdrop of the manor. As always, Vasti does a beautiful job connecting characters across her series as well. Fingers crossed Iris gets her moment soon!

Overall, this was a moody, romantic, and layered read that stayed with me long after I finished. Perfect for fans of gothic settings, historical fiction, and heartfelt LGBTQ love stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review!

That said, I really couldn't get into this title. DNF about 10-15% in.

This was quite a cute book with an interesting and original plot! I read this without reading the other books in the series and could follow along perfectly fine. I hadn’t read this author before but I really like her writing style, so I’ll be going back to read her other books! A very cute, short sapphic regency read.

🌈Queer rep: FF main couple, lesbian main characters. Mention of a bi man, and an MM couple.

My first Vasti novel, and it didn’t feel like I missed out on not reading the rest of the Belvoir’s Library series. Really loved the backdrops the scenes took place and how Vasti made the MCs feel quite familiar despite this being a historical romance. Looking forward to reading more!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and Alexandra Vasti for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the mystery and pacing of this story. The characters and the plot kept me hooked and made it an easy read. The end felt like it slowed down but for the most part it was a fun story that I really liked. The romance was sweet and slow. It had the third act breakup that I’m not a fan of but other than that it was a good book. 3.75 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Spooky, sapphic yearning? Those are three of my absolute favorite words so I obviously adored Ladies in Hating.
“It’s difficult. To believe that you deserve happiness when the world would tell you that you do not.”

I am a bit of a scaredy cat, so this is the level of spook I can handle. Nice ghosts who just want to be in love? A beautiful but dilapidated estate home? A childhood crush turned forbidden lover with JUST ONE BED?

Georgina is a testament to the work it takes to heal from an emotionally abusive family environment. Cat reminds us that queer joy has ALWAYS EXISTED despite….ya know. *gestures vaguely to the world*

Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti is out September 23, 2025. Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the eArc!

I liked this book but I think it was my least favorite of this series so far. I really liked the two main characters and their relationship but the rest of the plot felt a little too chaotic for me - maybe because I’m not quite a big gothic reader?

I'm not sure how it happened but I've recently read quite a bit of queer romance and this one was probably my favorite. Vasti just has a way of creating fun characters and stories with plots that just pull you in.

From the unmasking of Georgie's gothic novel rival and the history they share to the time spent in an old decrepit (possibly haunted) manor to the family and found family relationships... I just enjoyed it all so much!

Thank you for the opportunity to read early!

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed getting to know Georgiana in the first two installments of the Belvoir's Library Series, and was thrilled that it was time for her story. I loved the spooky gothic mystery elements complete with a mysterious and run down estate, secret passages, and possibly ghosts? Georgiana and Cat are rival gothic novelists writing under pen names. The obvious similarity in their novels initially sets off a rivalry but it's clear those two could have earned a degree in YEARNING. Vasti had me giggling and kicking my feet as their relationship blossomed. I had a great time with this one, and I can't wait to read more of Vasti's work! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Another beautiful, funny, suspenseful story from Alexandra Vasti! I loved the character growth in this book, especially from Georgiana. I really appreciated the authors approach to conflict and communication - it felt real, and painful, and so satisfyingly beautiful to watch the characters fall in love and work through their traumas alongside each other.

This book also felt like a love letter to queer joy, found families, and forgiveness. I really appreciated the authors note, referencing her really-life inspirations for the characters and story lines.

As always, the author made me laugh, cry, swoon, and blush with this masterpiece!

I was excited to read this as it was the first arc I was approved for this year, and it did not disappoint! I loved the connections to actual historical sapphic authors and women that the plots/characters in this book were inspired by, and reading the author's note at the end made me a little emotional. I loved getting to know Cat and Georgiana so much! I want more!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, SMP and Netgalley!

I've been waiting for Georgiana's story ever since she was first introduced in Ne'er Duke Well, and now it's finally here! Ladies in Hating was one of my most anticipated books of 2025, and it absolutely delivered!

Georgiana outed herself as a popular Gothic novelist in order to save her friend's reputation, and now she is the disgraced one. She lives with her mother and dog, Bacon, while still writing novels. A rival writer keeps publishing novels with similar themes and plots to hers, so she sets out to discover their identity, only to discover that her rival is her childhood crush, Cat. They are displeased to find each other both researching their next novels at the crumbling Renwick House. They decide to coexist while they do their individual research, but then someone locks them in the potentially haunted manor...

Georgiana and Cat's romance is developed perfectly. Their forced proximity is delicious and makes for an excellent slow burn. The supernatural mystery elements really added to their individual stories. Also, the banter between these two was just...*chef's kiss*

While this is a romance, the novel is inevitably about discovering that you deserve love, no matter what you have done or who has hurt you. It's about reconnecting with your family and not being afraid to reach out when you are struggling.

Five stars for this wonderfully steamy and sweet sapphic regency romance! Alexandra Vasti does not miss!!

Ladies in Hating was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Alexandra Vasti blends the perfect mix of gothic atmosphere, sharp humor, and slow-burn romance into a story that felt both fresh and timeless. As a fan of rivals-to-lovers stories, this one hit every note I hoped for and then some.

The dynamic between Lady Georgiana and Cat was electric, filled with clever banter and emotional depth that had me fully invested in their story. The haunted house setting added a layer of tension and whimsy that made the entire novel feel like a love letter to classic gothic fiction, but with a modern sensibility.

What stood out most to me was the way the book managed to be so much fun while still offering rich character development. It felt like every emotional moment was earned and grounded in real stakes. I didn’t want it to end and will absolutely be rereading it. Vasti has outdone herself with this one.

Ladies in Hating is a delightful final installment in the Ne’er Duke Well trilogy that wonderfully balances romance and gothic/supernatural hijinks. Vasti’s sense of humor shines as always but Ladies in Hating is also a very tender exploration of self-worth and allowing yourself to love and be loved.

What a fun book! I absolutely LOVED the gothic atmosphere and the fact that both main characters were gothic novelists. The first few chapters were a bit slow for me, but the story really picked up once they were both at the manor together. I think the characters were well-developed and had great chemistry together. I was also very invested in the mystery of the manor and what they'd uncover there.

it took some time to get going but once it did i was in
thank you netgalley and st martin’s press for the arc

Very endearing characters (including Bacon!) and well written story. I enjoyed the hint of a supernatural element too. And I loved Cat's witty, sweet teasing. Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A delightfully steamy and witty sapphic Regency romp! I devoured Ladies in Hating in just 24 hour. It was that addictive. The premise of two feuding gothic authors turned reluctant collaborators is pure brilliance, and the enemies-to-lovers tension crackles with every page. The subtle supernatural elements add an extra layer of intrigue without overshadowing the central plot. Vasti masterfully balances humor, heat, and heart, making this a standout in the historical romance genre.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and especially Alexandra Vasti for this enchanting read. I’m eagerly anticipating more from this talented author!