It really is TJ Alexander and I against the world! I love Alexander's writing, and "A Gentleman's Gentleman" was one of my top books in 2024. I was thrilled to find out Alexander was writing a sequel of sports, with a genderfluid character no less! There is something so delightful about the characters Alexander writes, and I also appreciate how casual Alexander is about being historically accurate -- it just needs to be fun, not serious! Anyway, a fantastic read!

A thoroughly enjoyable follow-up to TJ Alexander’s A Gentleman’s Gentleman. Verbena Montrose, is desperate for a husband—not because she particularly wants one, but to help her family stay solvent, and because it’s what women of her status do. She’s quick-witted and collects society secrets to wield as weapons as needed, or to keep up her sleeves for later. After coming up with a faultless (in her eyes) plan to marry and save the reputation of the newly monied and gay tailor, Étienne, she’s shocked to hear rumors turned against her in a society poem. Confronting the poetess behind the poem leads to even more of a shock—the author, Flora Witcombe, is beautiful and the first person Verbena actually finds herself attracted to. Then Verbena discovers herself also intrigued by a man, of all things, when she meets William Forsyth, a novelist and youngest son of a nobleman, whom she doesn’t realize is also Flora. Everything gets complicated when Verbena travels to a countryside estate with her soon to be betrothed Étienne and Flora as company, meeting William there as well. It’s a very fun and at times silly (in the best way) romance, but it’s full of heart too, and was a lovely read. Recommended for libraries with historical romance readers and queer romance readers alike.

This felt very Shakespeare.

Verbena is a fiery lead with a sharp mind who has never considered living life as if it isn't a grand chess match. She convinces her queer friend Etienne to embark upon a marriage of convenience with her. Then she meets Flora and falls for her, not realizing that Flora is also William. Who falls for Verbena. Meanwhile Verbena is trying to convince Flora to embark on her own marriage of convenience... with William (who is also Flora) so they can have an affair in peace. Etienne, of course, has fallen for Miles.

And also Lord Byron is there. Like, all the time. Behaving outrageously. Because of course he is.

There is of course SO MUCH miscommunication. It's absolutely ridiculous. At times I did get a little tired of the levels of miscommunication, but each time I did the story quickly took a turn that drew me back in.

And right when you wonder how things could ever work out happily, the ending barrels up on you and presents the perfect conclusion to solve all of their difficulties.

I liked the tie-ins to a Gentleman's Gentleman. I also liked the inclusion of the artist's retreat helmed by two women.

But most of all I loved how unapologetically queer this book is. The subject of Flora/William/Willa's identity is treated with such compassion and understanding. It all felt very natural and everyday. Verbena's revelations too, about how women could fall for other women, and her propensity to lead in the bedroom. And of course Etienne and Miles, who are horribly romantically in love in the background.

I love a good historical romance, and I especially love it when it's queer. When the rigid rules of society must necessarily be bent or broken to accommodate those who just don't fit within them. When the breaking of those rules reveal something precious and beautiful.

Absolutely wonderful and onto the best of the year list it goes. I have the audiobook preordered already, and cannot wait to experience it in that format.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Vintage for providing an early copy for review.