Lady Like - (Dial Delights) by Mackenzi Lee (Paperback)

About the Book

"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 fiancâe. 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 ever could have predicted"--

Book Synopsis

A BOOKPAGE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR - 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.

"My new favorite romance author."--Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series

"A genuinely, strikingly funny romantic romp. I inhaled it!"--Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Great Big Beautiful Life

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.

Review Quotes

"My new favorite romance author."--Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series

"When [Emily and Harriet] set their sights on the same duke, their intense rivalry blossoms into an electric connection. Lee's writing is sharp, clever, and clear, and her characters are irresistible."--Emily Henry in The New York Times Book Review "Emily Henry's Favorite Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Novels"

"Lady Like immediately charmed me with its wonderful, effervescent wit. This Regency era sapphic romance, featuring a truly delightful pair of heroines in Harry and Emily, is not only fun but thoughtful too. I just know readers are going to laugh, swoon, and altogether have a very happy time with it!"--India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love

"This joyful, sapphic historical romance is an absolute treasure for fans of Bridgerton and Cat Sebastian."--Booklist

"A refreshing twist on the trope of two women fighting for one man."--Claire & Jamie

"Lady Like is compulsively readable: perfectly clever, funny, and hot. It's one of my favorite romance reads of the year, and I can't wait for whatever Mackenzi writes next!"--Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of the League of Extraordinary Women series

"Lady Like invites you into a Regency world so lush, so beautifully queer, you'll never want to leave. Emily and Harry are heroines after my own heart. Their love story is a true treat for today's readers."--TJ Alexander, USA Today bestselling author of A Gentleman's Gentleman

"There is no better feeling than starting a book and almost immediately realizing that it is going to be a cherished favorite. It's clever, dry, and laugh-out-loud funny, but also doesn't shy away from the realities of the grim choices faced by women and queer people throughout history, and the hard-won, happily-ever-after feels like an act of radical joy."--Martha Waters, author of To Woo and to Wed

"[Lady Like] was the perfect read to lighten my mood. . . . There was enough action to keep me on the edge of my seat, enough ballroom society drama to keep me entertained, and enough romance to keep me grinning the whole way through."--Lesbary

"Emily and Harry are a delight. They're funny and offbeat and vivid, with strong personalities grounded in real, believable struggles. What's less grounded--what is, in fact, dizzyingly uplifting--is author Mackenzi Lee's deliberate choice to set Lady Like in a world without homophobia."--BookPage, starred review

"[Mackenzi] Lee injects this sprightly enemies-to-lovers tale with equal parts humor and sensuality, and it's especially gratifying to see Emily come into her own."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The story, which centers queer and theatrical Regency life alongside the familiar tropes of the London Season, is well-paced, with entertaining side characters and rich detail. A sparkling Sapphic romance that brings many facets of Regency London to life."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A charming must-have addition to any historical romance collection."--Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Mackenzi Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, a Stonewall Honor book, New England Book Award winner, and NPR and Vulture best book of the year. Her short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, Teen Vogue, and Bust Magazine, among others, and she holds a BA in history and an MFA in creative writing from Simmons College. Lady Like is her adult debut.