"Tipping the Velvet" if "Tipping the Velvet" was an utterly charming adversaries-to-lovers romance novel.

On paper, Harriet "Harry" Lockhart and Miss Emily Sergeant could not be more opposed. Rakish Harry, most comfortable in gentleman's clothing, is an actor in a Sapphist Shakespearean theater company. Emily, with her pale complexion and polite manners, is the picture of feminine charm, or at least, she's trying to be. When the two cross paths while attempting to charm the same duke, their chemistry immediately crackles. From foes, to reluctant allies, to friends, to lovers, the slow-burn between these two is deliciously compelling (so much so that I flew through this in a single night).

<i>Life is an ocean, but love does not have to be an anchor weighing her down. It can be salt enough to float.</i>

TL;DR: A heart-wrenching historical queer romance from one of my favorite authors. Not as witty or biting as some of Lee's YA historical fiction, which I did miss a bit, but just as emotionally satisfying. As always, one of Lee's biggest strengths is her characters, which are immaculately conceived and deftly drawn. The MCs are always fleshed out and multi-faceted and, more importantly (IMO), relatable -- like, on the surface, I have very little in common with a queer woman living in Georgian England. And yet. Many of my Kindle highlights were moments were I felt seen.
<b>I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</b>

Vibes: Jane Austen but make it gay.

Genre: New Adult Historical Queer Romance

Romance Meter: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 // 🌶 🌶 🌶 ♡ ♡
Maybe 1-2 chapters of spice; more pining and longing than spice (and I'm not mad).

Character MVP: I feel like I should say Emily, but honestly Harry. Her wit and snark reminded me of a toned-down (slightly more emotionally healthy) Monty (from [book:The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue|29283884].

Verdict: 4.5 stars, rounding up, mainly because its Mackenzi Lee and I adore her. She is an auto-buy author for me, and I love a good historical romance.

Honesty, I think one of my favorite things is how much research Mackenzi Lee does, and how evident it is in her stories. I'm a big Regency/Victorian nerd and nothing takes me out of the story more than an historically inaccurate element. Like, I know it's Romance and it doesn't have to be, because "that's not why we're reading," but I notice it.

And even if we tweak some things to ensure a happy ending, the struggles that both Emily and Harry go through -- the pressure to marry, the flattening of one's self to fit the constricting mold of what makes a "proper" woman -- are accurate and somehow relatable to women today. Perhaps not in the same way, but I literally just passed a billboard on my way to the mountains that said something to the effect of "we offer non-judgmental counsel for newly pregnant women." And, why, in the year of our lord 2025, pregnant women would ever feel judged...well, it's a similar struggle that Emily faces. And when Violet says "People act as though shame is a disease. They're terrified of catching it. Not everyone in town blames you -- most people never did. It's just a few middling biddies making a show, and everyone else being too afraid to stand against them." Emily wasn't pregnant, of course, but it's the same sentiment, almost 200 years later.

This is definitely more serious than some of Lee's YA books -- and I did find myself missing some of that humor and snark at times. But, at the same time, I felt like perhaps this was a bit of a catharsis for Lee...Obviously I don't know her, but I do know that she had a career change a few years ago, and I was worried that we'd never get a new book from her. And when you read Harry's story about wanting to be a serious actress "celebrated for playing men's roles" when she was younger and believing "the crowd would love her for the very things she had once believed made her strange" -- and then Harry's fears about "what might happen to her hard-won confidence if she stood face to face with the possibility of real rejection" -- it's tempting (and plausible) to read some biographical interpretation there.

Maybe.

I love Lee's books, and will keep reading and buying them as long as she keeps writing them.

Historical romance isn't a genre I read too often but sometimes it just hits the spot. This one was delightfully charming and a bit sassy. I really liked the main characters but I wish we got more time dedicated to Harry. I felt that at some point the book focused more on Emily and her story but I found Harry to be more interesting.

Overall this was a fun read that would be prefect for a day at the beach. 3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Very funny and I wanted to know how it all turned out. The characters were interesting. I wasn't sure how this story could get to a HEA, but it did. Not quite 100% believable - historically and plot points - but still, a very fun romp. I had not read anything by this author, but will look for more.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Let me just start off by saying that I loved this book. I have always been a historical romance girl, so when I received the email that I was pre-approved for this book I bolted over to NetGalley to get it on my shelf.

Regency era lesbians, string together a better epithet, I dare you.

Star Rating: EASY 5
Tropes: marriage of convenience, rivals-to-friends-to-lovers, he falls first and harder (not a he, but you'll get it when you start to read), SLOW BURN!!!
Spice: One and a half chili peppers at most, there is one explicit scene and regency era terminology is used so it seems even less spicier than it already is.

Summary: This story follows two amazing but different women. Harriet (Harry/Hal) Lockhart, a thespian doing productions for the sapphist troupe in London, she wears her hair short, and dresses in mens trousers at every opportunity. She is charming and funny, and her favorite hobby is getting under peoples skin. Then we have Emily Seargeant, she is the definition of demure, she is the picture of grace and propriety, except she has a secret.

Harriet finds out something about her parentage and is forced to find herself a husband with only four months (this is the definition of a nightmare for her) and Emily is in London trying to find a replacement fiance since hers is a despicable old curmudgeon that has threatened her with violence if she embarrassed him.

Harry and Emily set their sights on the same duke and with a little bit of serendipity, they become fast friends, and things progress very slowly but entirely organically (nothing happens until about 74%) and it is so satisfying!

The banter between Emily and Harry is so funny and clever, you could literally never get tired of reading their conversations!

Also an honorable mention for Violet, one of the best supporting characters, a true gem and I will never have a bad thing to say about her! As well as Havoc, the doggo, he was just adorable and I loved his presence in the story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Random house Publishing and author Mackenzi Lee for providing me with the eARC of “Lady Like”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 9th, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads, June 22nd, 2025

This book was an absolute masterpiece. Truly phenomenal in every sense of the word. Can I give it 6 stars?
I am not sure I even have the ability to review this story in a way that does it justice, but, I shall try.

“Lady Like” in a sapphic romance, set in England in the Georgian period.
We meet Harriet (Harry), a woman who is very unconventional for the era. She is an actress in sapphic Shakespeare plays, but soon discovers she must find herself a suitable man to marry for her inheritance.
We also meet Emily, a woman harboring secrets from a dreadful past, who has run off to London in hopes of finding a suitor and escaping her current engagement.
It may just so happen that Harry nor Emily find what they are looking for- but something far better.

This story is just incredible.
The tension and the romance between Harry and Emily is stunning, and was written to perfection. Harry is SUCH a gentleman (Gentlewoman, might I say). The way she treats Emily is gorgeous.
I felt such a real, genuine connection between the two, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book, anxious to see where they ended up.
Not only is the romance great, but the characters are hilarious. Very rarely do I laugh while reading, but their sense of humor was immaculate, and right on par with what I would expect from this story.

If you enjoy sapphic romance, you should read this.
If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, you should read this.
Really, everyone should probably read this.

Thank you again to Mackenzi Lee for writing this, to Random house for publishing this, and to NetGalley for the ARC.
I am completely and utterly obsessed.

This is a fun romp through the "olden" days with Ladies and Lords! Harriet--who goes by Harry--is an actress when she gets an invitation to Longley Manor where the reported rake and villain, Robert Tweed will be. Then we meet Emily and Violet who figure into the tale as well. Horse racing, repectability, jealousy, and sapphic humor make this a wonderful tale that is not to be missed!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Review of Advance Rader’s Copy

The Drury Lane stage is Harriet “Harry” Lockhart’s “home,” but a summons by her father. The demand that, if she chooses to continue to receive the allowance provided for her by her mother, she must marry a respectable husband. This is not to her liking, but her income from her stage career is paltry.

Emily Sergeant is promised in marriage to Robert Tweed, a man she absolutely loathes. In an effort to change their circumstances, each woman heads for London in hopes of finding a suitable husband.

Can the women succeed or is there something unexpected waiting for them in London?

=========

With delightful turns of humor throughout, this historically-set tale is sure to please readers who enjoy romance stories as well as those who enjoy historical fiction. With its strong sense of place and well-drawn characters, the unfolding story is both entertaining and fun.

The prospect of both women choosing the same Duke makes for some delightfully funny moments, but readers will surely be rooting for both Harry and Emily to find their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group – Random House / Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#LadyLike #NetGalley

This book lived up to all my expectations after falling in love with Mackenzi Lee's Montague Siblings series. It was so fun reading a brand new story from one of my favourite authors!

Harry and Emily are fantastic characters. I loved the pacing and the hijinks, and the ending felt just right. It could maaaaybe have been even better with a little epilogue (or perhaps just a sequel someday so I can check in on my favourite Sapphists).

I'm also thankful that the author chose to omit homophobia from this historical queer romance. It allowed for complete escapism, which feels extra important to me lately.

All in all, this is a new favourite read! I can't wait to purchase a copy.

The premise of this book is great and I loved the Montague Siblings trilogy so I was excited to read this one. Overall, this book is fine. It isn't a topic historical romance recommendation for me but it wasn't bad. I liked the characters and the plot enough, honestly I just found it kind of forgettable after I'd finished.

Call me ‘easy’ but I absolutely adored this book. If you’re into regency, Bridgerton vibes then this is for you. I’m a huge fan of all of the above but obviously we don’t get much sapphic content so I’m always happy to read anything that comes out.
That being said, sometimes the storylines feel too tropey so I’m glad the author totally made it feel like a ‘real’ (as real as can be in this type of story) relationship but still had banter and development.
Super excited to get this in physical form!!

This book is a charming, straightforward read that really leans into the "classic" romance novel structure but with Sapphic leads (which warrants bonus points, in my opinion). I sped through this one & enjoyed it, but it's not a book that stands out against others I've read in the genre. Ultimately, if you're just looking for something fun, this book will meet that mark.

It's also worth noting that this unedited proof is exactly that! There were some typos that I found a little frustrating while reading, but I'm sure that'll be fixed in the final release.

Lady Like is a delightful read! Anyone looking for the feel of Bridgerton should pick this up. The romance is well written and very endearing, and the inter-character dynamics really shine. Both the main characters and the side characters are vibrant and engaging, and they made me laugh and tugged at my heartstrings. The banter in the dialogue is so funny and the prose is quick and entertaining with witty turns of phrase I really enjoyed. It's a funny and heartwarming story that does a charming job of combining historical elements with a positive outlook that is really nice to see.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for providing me an ARC on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

ARC from Net Galley!

"Lady Like" was a fun, flirty, romantic, and hilarious ride and I enjoyed ever second of it!

The story is driven through the perspectives of Harriet "Harry" and Emily - both who by chance are in need of a husband and in need of one fast. Emily because she would rather do anything than marry the person her parents set up a contract with and Harry because she just found prince regent is her father - and she needs to find herself a respectable father to claim her place (and the money!). They both set their sights on the same Duke and start out as rivals. Through an unlikely partnership, the two grow to enjoy each other's company and love blossoms.

This was both hilarious and adorable and the plots pacing was just right. Our characters go through many fun adventures set within a backdrop of the regency-esque London. The characters relationships were tangible and were tested and grew throughout the novel. This kind of dynamic what I enjoyed from the Montague siblings series. I absolutely loved that the characters identity and orientation were not center stage to all of their trials and tribulations. Instead, Harry and Emily navigate the struggles of falling in love and coming to their own just like anyone else. Reading more information on the author's decision to write these methods in her work was a wonderful follow up after finishing the story. There also was information on researched topics and historical stories that were used when writing the novel.

I'll miss reading the banter between these two!

4.5 stars!

"Emily Sargent," Harry says, and she almost doesn't recognize the timber of her own voice. "I don't know what to do now that I've met you."

Lady Like is the kind of book that wraps itself around your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s witty, sharp, and deeply emotional — the kind of story that makes you laugh, ache, and reflect, often all in the same sentence. Mackenzi Lee has delivered something honest and unapologetically tender in this tale of two women navigating identity, class, and love in a time that wasn’t built to hold them.

At first, the story starts with a quiet simmer — the opening chapters took a little while to pull me in — but the moment Harry and Emily meet, everything shifts. Their dynamic is electric and complicated and so real. Watching them fall for each other felt like eavesdropping on something sacred: a slow unfolding of affection marked by fear, anger, joy, and overwhelming vulnerability. Their love isn’t effortless, but it is intentional, and that makes it all the more beautiful.

What struck me most was how being queer in this historical moment was not painted as a tragic impossibility. Instead, Lee shows us what it means to carve out a life that works for you — even when the world refuses to understand. That resilience is what made me tear up more than once. It’s what made me proud to be queer, to see parts of myself in Harry and Emily, and to feel understood.

This is a book I finished and instantly missed. The characters linger like old friends, and the story leaves you changed.

Fans of Bridgerton looking for a queer spin on historical romance — with just as much tension, elegance, and aching tenderness — will find a new favorite in Lady Like. I cannot wait to buy a hard copy as soon as it hits shelves!

Lady Like was such a delight to read! I adore Emily and Harry so much. I loved the concept of two women going after the same Duke, but falling in love with each other instead. It was a fresh take from other Regency romances I’ve read before.

The development of Emily and Harry’s relationship felt natural and I adored their banter. Despite being from different worlds, the two are more compatible than they seem. Violet was also wonderful and I enjoyed seeing how much unconditional love and support she had for Emily.

If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and in the market for a sweet, sapphic romance, then this is the perfect book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group | Dial Press Trade Paperback for an ARC of Lady Like in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lady Like is a fun romp through Regency England, visiting many of the usual Regency romance tropes with a few twists thrown in for good measure.

When it comes to Mackenzi Lee, she's an amazing, automatic-read author for me. If she wrote it, I will immediately read it.

That said....

This book just wasn't it for me, and it pains me to say that. The plot never really hooked me and I struggled to connect with the characters. For much of the book, I found the main character--Harry--to be, well... a fairly unlikeable lady, which is ironic given the title of the book.

Was this my favorite of Lee's books? No. Did I actively dislike it? Also no. Would I recommend it to others? Sure, why not? Just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't hit the mark for others. And without giving any spoilers, it does have a satisfying ending.

Overall, it's a three for me, but I hope others find it, enjoy it, and discover the magic of Lee's other books as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Like is a romp of a story about two women after the same Duke, their intentions are clear, one needs protection, the other to claim her inheritance, but what if those intentions change?

Friends, this is a romance not to be missed!

It’s such a fun book, with so many surprising moments that will have readers laughing out loud, holding their breath, or gasping for air, hoping Harry and Emily find their happily ever after.

Love is love and this Sapphic adult debut novel is a romance not to be missed.

Preorder Lady Like asap!

I pre-ordered this book before I received my ARC because I assumed I would love this new book from Mackenzi Lee and I was right. I absolutely loved this book! I love her Gentleman’s Guide books so I was excited for her new adult book.

It was fun, romantic and had amazing two heroines. I love the contrast between Harry and Emily. Both have different lives and personalities but they are just so good together. There are so many moments where Harry and Emily just let everything out. They say what they mean and don’t hold back. It is so freeing and amazing to see women stand up for themselves and say what they are truly feeling. Of course some lovely, romantic and adorable moments that had me grinning from ear to ear. Their lives are not perfect and I felt so bad for the things they went through or are going through. They had their ups and downs but were totally in it together. The ending was just what I needed. Amazing sapphic read and highly recommend!

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I'll read anything Mackenzi Lee writes. This one was a little messy plotwise, but it still gave the same heartwarming humour I expect from her.