5/5 Stars—A Masterpiece of Sapphic Regency Romance
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alexandra Vasti has outdone herself with this absolutely stunning sapphic Regency romance that had me completely captivated from the very first page. “Ladies in Hating” is everything I could want in a historical romance and more.
The premise alone is irresistible: Lady Georgiana Cleeve, a celebrated Gothic novelist, finds herself locked in literary rivalry with the enigmatic Lady Darling. What begins as professional antagonism gradually develops into something much deeper and more complex. The enemies-to-lovers trope has never felt fresher or more interesting.
Vasti’s writing is absolutely gorgeous—elegant and atmospheric while maintaining the perfect balance of wit and emotional depth. The gothic atmosphere she creates is deliciously immersive, and I found myself completely transported to the world of Regency literary salons and moonlit manor houses. The author’s background in literature truly shines through in every carefully crafted sentence.
The character development is phenomenal. Both Georgiana and her mysterious rival are complex, fully realized women with their own ambitions, fears, and desires. Watching their relationship develop from professional rivalry to grudging respect to something beautifully tender was an absolute joy. The slow-burn tension is perfectly executed—every stolen glance and charged conversation builds toward an incredibly satisfying payoff.
The dual POV narrative structure works brilliantly, allowing us to see both sides of this delicious literary feud, and there are mysteries woven throughout that kept me guessing until the very end. The social justice elements feel organic to the story rather than heavy-handed, adding depth to an already rich narrative.
The steam level is absolutely perfect for the story—passionate and swoon-worthy without overwhelming the emotional journey. Vasti writes intimacy with such care and beauty that every romantic moment feels earned and meaningful.
This book delivers on every level: interesting characters, gorgeous prose, perfect pacing, and a romance that will have you clutching your chest and sighing happily. “Ladies in Hating” truly sparkles and has immediately earned a spot on my favorites shelf.
If you love historical romance, sapphic love stories, or literary rivals falling for each other, this book is an absolute must-read. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Publishing Date: September 2025 Genre: Historical Romance (Regency), LGBTQ+ Romance Series: Belvoir’s Library #3 (can be read as a standalone)
