Thanks so much to Ballantine and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a wonderful, fresh concept. Sapphic histrom is where I want to be, and Lee does it so well and with such humor and levity. I’d recommend this for everyone who wants a fresh historical romance!!

Mackenzi Lee's Lady Like was a true pleasure to read. The character and story development for this regency era romance was leaps and bounds more entertaining than anything I've encountered in numerous Bridgerton-esque reads. The book's modern sensibilities greatly help to elevate the storytelling. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

At one of the London Season's balls, two women set their sights on the same very eligible, seemingly rich Duke. Conspiring against one another, mistrustful of the others' intentions, in their quest for the Duke's affection, they fall in love...with each other.

Harriet "Harry" and Emily's love story is a solid romance novel that provides a fun twist on the trope of two women angling for the same man. Amongst the catty backstabbing (which really doesn't last too long), these two women, who are both struggling to fully realize themselves in a world that does not want them to, become friends and then more. Harry introduces Emily to the queer world of Sapphists and presents her with the chance to be what she wants, not what society dictates, while Emily introduces Harry to a relationship that can be a soft landing for her, and provide more than just sex. The stakes surrounding them (marriage to a man who may just murder her and soul crushing poverty if she doesn't accept the very heteronormative conditions for an inheritance) provide a sense of tension beyond the will-they-won't-they of Emily and Harry's relationship.

Lady Like is a delightful romantic romp with complicated characters you'll love, hate, and cringe at. This book is perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Lee's previous works, and the history of Anne Lister.

"Someone ought to love you, and I'd like it to be me."

Two women, one refined and one ribald, set their sights on marrying the same duke, but instead of becoming natural enemies, they find themselves falling in love—though not with him.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

Harriet Lockhart and Emily Sergeant are a opposite as can be, but have been forced into the same situation - find a husband. And not only that, but they end up setting their sights on the same one - only to butt heads and end up forced into an acquaintance and friendship (and then more!!) along the way.

This was such a lovely read, and truly had everything. Regency-era, dancing, falling in love, horse racing, drama, pasted-on-mutton chops, duels!!! I was so enthralled the whole time. This is my first book by this author, and I loved her writing - such a perfect mix of beautiful prose, humor, and historical language.

I loved the banter and the humor in this. Both characters were so fun, and getting to see Emily come out of her shell (esp the scene where's she's so agreeable with the duke, only to turn around and be so animated in her hatred to Harry, omg) was so satisfying to read. The 'will-they/won't they' tension was palpable, and although there was a third-act miscommunication/breakup I thought it was done SO well (lots of different aspects to it, very believable). Violet was such a lovely supporting character as well. And I also loved the additional research notes and literature at the end!

Tropes & Tags:
👑 historical romance (regency)
💕 sapphic romance
👑 opposites attract
💕 enemies-to-lovers
👑 longing and pining
💕 marriage(s) of convenience

(Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House for the ARC & the opportunity to review! 📖)

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

Lady Like follows two women who set their sights on the same duke, but end up falling for each other instead.

Regency era sapphic romance is going to get my attention pretty much every time, and Lady Like really fit the bill. I loved getting to know norm-breaking firebrand Harry and modest sweet pea Emily, and I loved watching them fall for each other. Though they were ultimately far less at odds to start than I expected them to be, their friends-to-lovers arc was solidly done and decently swoon worthy. I did find myself wishing, given the length of the book, that some of the conflict was a bit beefier. I love a lover who pines, and I feel like I didn’t quite get my expected fill of pining here. But it was pretty cute, and just a touch spicy, so overall I enjoyed the read.

I was overdue for a historical romance, and this one hit the spot!

Lady Like is full of hi-jinks, and the drama only a historical romance can provide. I personally feel historicals are so underrated because some of the plot lines are so WILD. I always eat them up! Add in healthy dose of longing, Queer panic and you have yourself the perfect read!

The beginning of this book is legitimately such a riot. Harriet (Harry) Lockhart discovers her father is the prince regent and to inherit an estate, she must get married. Harry has never pictured herself married, but must attempt to lead a more respectable life, starting with finding a husband.

The second FMC in this story is Emily Sergeant, the picture of modesty, who finds herself in London as a last ditch effort to find a better suitor than the one that her parents choose. Her options are limited in her hometown as she is considered a social pariah for a mistake made in her youth.

I loved the flow of this book from enemies after the same duke, to reluctant friends as Harry’s brother asks them to help each other, to lovers.

While Harry has known she is Queer for quite a while, Emily’s feelings take her by surprise. However, she handles the revelation extremely well. She is able to look back and see moments were she experienced queer feelings, but didn’t have the name for it.

I thought Harry and Emily were the cutest couple and balanced each other so well. Emily helps Harry slow down and appreciate quiet moments. She really cares for Harry and Harry has never had that care so freely given to her. Harry pushes Emily to stand up for herself and let her personality shine through. Emily is her truest self around Harry and that is the foundation for such beautiful love! Through their reluctant friendship, they are able to lay a very solid base for their growing romantic love with tender, vulnerable moments.

Would I recommend this ARC? 100%. I immediately pre-ordered this after finishing my advanced copy.

Things:
•Sapphic historical romance
•Villain as a form of endearment
•Dressing room shenanigans
•The type of drama only historicals can provide
•Feisty only with her
•Rake/ wallflower

Lady Like is being released on Sep 09, 2025, and I hope you check it out!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Dial Press Trade Paperback for an early digital copy of this title; all thoughts are my own.

Favorite quotes- these quotes really undid me

“The world will not remake itself for you, but neither should remake yourself for the world.”

“The best thing is that there will never be a version of me that did not know you. From now on, every day that passes, I will be the Harry that has been known and loved by Emily Sergeant. Whether we part now or are together until the day we die. There will never be a year I don’t mark your birthday or think of you when I see dandelions or remember the way you take your tea. And I like myself better, now that I’ve loved you.”

“Someone ought to love you, and I’d like it to be me.”

Heat Index: 6/10

—lesbians competing for the same husband

—it's kinda fuck history hours

—RAKESS meets lady

The Basics:

Harriet, AKA Harry, needs a husband in order to secure her lifestyle—mainly, swanning about, hooking up with randoms, and acting on the stage. Proper Emily, with her reputation stained by a youthful misadventure, must find someone to marry—or else she's stuck with the local odious lech. Both of them set their sights on the same duke, practically perfect for their respective purposes. And both of them... really want each other. What are a pair of diametrically-opposed ladies to do?

The Review:

This is a refreshingly anachronistic romcom, with a good deal of raking and flirting and ladylike swooning... All in pursuit of sapphic joy. I mean, initially in pursuit of lavender marriage joy. But once Harry and Emily throw away the bullshit and get off to the races, they're in it to win it.

For me, Harry is kind of the star of the novel. For one thing, she's simply charismatic—a bit reckless, a lot swaggering and carefree, seductive, and prone to kind of not caring about consequences until she has to. Plus, she has a father whose identity absolutely sets the tone for the book early one, which I greatly appreciate. Lee says "pick up what I am putting down" with that dad reveal, and if you've got an issue with what happens after because "historyyyy"... Dude. What did you think you were reading?

While it's not quite as irreverent as the world of Alexis Hall's Something series, Lady Like is about telling a good story. It's not about queer suffering. And don't we get enough of that in real life? Like, don't get me wrong—Harry and Emily face obstacles. Homophobia is a thing in this world. But it's not an obsessive one, and Harry in particular is looking to marry less because of its intensity and more because of.... well, it's reminiscent of some classic historical romance inheritance requirement shenanigans. Sort of.

I do want to emphasize that Emily is charming as well, and becomes more so as the story unfurls and she breaks free. While not as experienced as Harry, she's also not your typical swooning virgin type. There's a moment of flirtation that fucks with gender a bit in a way I found so delightfully surprising—and it's on brand for the book in general. It's fun, it's airy, it doesn't take itself too seriously, while still being aware of the weight of what Harry and Emily want.

All that being said, the one flaw that kicks this book down a bit is that it takes too long for Harry and Emily to meet. About 25% of the book. That's just too much for any romance my book—I love character intros, but I need to get to the romance sooner rather than later. These two have chemistry, and I wanna see more of it!

That being said, I did appreciate the ending. So much. That's what I want to see more of in queer historical romances.

The Sex:

There aren't many sex scenes, but the sex scenes you get are super well-described, lengthy, and super hot. I really like the interplay between the two, and the way their scenes in bed play on the traditional rake/shrinking violet trope.

The Conclusion:

A light but not unserious, sexy romcom of a historical romance, this took a little while to get going—but once it did, it was fresh and entertaining. Which the subgenre needs more of!

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this earc.
I picked this up because ML's Gentleman’s Guide books are so popular and i loved the artwork on this.
I think it doubly hard to write sapphic romances becuaee you have to give your characters vastly different personalities and this one does it well with Harry and Emily. They both are after the same Duke and Duke it out while chasing after him but eventually realize that they are in fact good for each other.
This was sapphic and funny and a lovely read.

Lady Like charmed me with its clever wit, emotional depth, and delightful defiance of Regency norms. Follow Harriet “Harry” Lockhart, a fearless actress with no appetite for marriage—until a cryptic ultimatum threatens her lifestyle—and Emily Sergeant, society’s pariah searching for escape. When both aim to court the same duke, their rivalry transforms into a tender, unexpected romance that feels both revolutionary and refreshing

This book is for anyone who watched Bridgerton and really wanted Eloise to be gay.
No, but seriously. Historical sapphic romances are something of a niche and Lee did an excellent job breaking in. Not only is the love story compelling, but the PLOT is as well, with all of its twists and turns.

There’s one scene that I’m particularly attached to, right at the end- WOW. I won’t say too much, but had my stomach in butterflies.

Lady Like is going to be one of my romance novels of the year, it was absolutely fantastic.

Thank you to Dial Press and Random House for a digital ARC of Lady Like!

4/5 literally could not put it down!

I remember that when I first got this book, I was a little suspicious of this premise working in a sapphic novel, but BOY was I wrong. I did not know how much I needed to see a character like Harry until I met her in this book. I love the way that her character, particularly, was built out, so confident and brash but also just a softy on the inside. Her romance with Emily truly did make me swoon, and I love that their arc was not something out of the box for the circumstances present during this era. I loved the build-up of the twists and turns in the plot and how lovely both Collin and Violet were are supporting side characters. I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish, especially as an enjoyer of the series Gentleman Jack, this hit the spot of some regency era romance for my heart. I did find a few typos here and there that I hope will be addressed before the final publishing, but other than that, I truly had no issues! If you love Bridgerton and are gay, go read this!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

It is currently 1AM while writing this review because this book was impossible to put down, so much so that I’ll risk the book hangover in the morning. I really enjoyed this sexy, sapphic, slow burn romance. This is the first time I’ve read one of Mackenzi Lee’s novels (despite my partner trying to convince me for years), and I’m blown away by how well-written this book is. Lee is very knowledgeable of the time period, and shows this through the high level of detail of novel’s characters and setting. Emily and Harry are beautifully written characters with complex backstories, relationships, and chemistry. I will definitely pick up another one of Lee’s novels in the future.

This book was a delight. A historical romantic comedy that starts with two women competing for the same man and ends with them falling for each other. Both main characters had interesting backstories and relationships with side characters, and the story included some laugh-out-loud funny moments. If you like Bridgerton vibes and sapphic romances, this is the book for you!

Loved "Lady Like" by Mackenzi Lee. Funny and spicy writing. Appreciated the Sapphic romance set in the Georgian era. Memorable characters. Recommended.

Regency lesbians finding each other after both fighting to marry the same man for social protection! Loved the characters and the twists on many romantic tropes.

Harry never plans to marry. Unless she could marry a woman.
She prefers men's clothes and short hair to all the nonsense women have to deal with.
Unfortunately, her newfound father has different ideas. If she wants his money, she will have to marry someone he finds suitable.

Emily has to get married, even though she doesn't want to. She did something foolish when she was younger, and it ruined her reputation. Now, the only man that will marry her is a disgusting, lecherous old man with his sights set on her parents' land.

Emily decides to go to London with her cousin Violet for the season in hopes of finding someone better to marry. It's her last chance to be rid of Mr. Tweed.

Emily and Harry cross paths in London and decide to help each other find the perfect man. They just haven't realized that they both want the same one. Or do they want something else entirely?

This was a fun time. I love the Regency era and quite enjoyed the queer spin in this one. Emily and Harry are fantastic characters. I also enjoyed the part at the end where the author shared a bit of lesbian history from that era.

I love me some sapphic regency romances, and Lady Like seemed like an absolute win for me. Unfortunately, this was a more of a miss than a hit.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✓ Slow Burn
✓ Sapphic Romance
✓ Third Act Break Up
✓ Miscommunication
✓ Regency-Era London

This book was just oddly forgettable for me for some reason? I also wanted to love Harry as a character more than I did, but overall I enjoyed it enough while reading that I'm giving it three stars rounded up both for that and because I want to see more sapphic historical romance even though this one didn't leave as much of an impression as I hoped.

"Two women set their sights on marrying the same duke, but instead of becoming enemies, they find themselves falling in love - though not with him.

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."

I'm just saying, there could be a combination lavender marriage throuple situation here.

Lady Like is a very fun Sapphic Regency romcom!

I liked both the leading ladies and really all of the women characters (all of the men were horrible). The main characters' romance was a lovely development from an awful first impression to friends to lovesick. Harry was my favorite, but I appreciated that Emily was a believable small town girl in London.

Lady Like has a bit of a slow start. I wasn't really hooked to the story until about a quarter way in. After the introduction of Emily, however, I flew through this book. There is a third act breakup and, even worse, two miscommunication incidents, but it was resolved nicely enough to be mostly forgiven. A happily ever after for a queer couple in a historical romance is never straightforward, but it was accomplished here.

I appreciated the author's care and note to tell a queer historical romance and look forward to future releases!

Thank you, Random House Publishing, for the arc!