Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti is a historical romantic comedy that blends literary rivalry, gothic atmosphere, and plenty of romantic tension. At the heart of the story are two Victorian writers and sworn enemies who find themselves forced to share a potentially haunted house.
Neither woman is particularly thrilled about spending time with the other… especially since neither Georgiana nor Cat seems willing to admit the feelings of affection and attraction slowly developing between them.
With sparkling banter, delightfully over-the-top action scenes, and a few spicy moments, Ladies in Hating is exactly the kind of sapphic romance readers should pick up if they’re looking for something that captures the spirit of Bridgerton while adding a more humorous and unapologetically queer twist.
Plot Summary
Acclaimed novelist Lady Georgiana Cleeve has achieved fame and literary success. Unfortunately, she’s also gained a rival: the mysterious Lady Darling, a gothic novelist whose books seem suspiciously similar to Georgiana’s own manuscripts.
Determined to expose the woman behind the pseudonym, Georgiana discovers something she never expected: Lady Darling is actually Cat Lacey, the daughter of a butler… and the subject of Georgiana’s most embarrassing adolescent crush.
Meanwhile, Cat has spent years keeping her family out of poverty and has no intention of letting the infuriatingly charming Lady Georgiana distract her from her goals. Yet avoiding her proves nearly impossible, especially when both women decide to set their next novel in the same eerie country house.
Things become even more complicated when they find themselves trapped inside the estate. Between mysterious apparitions, unsettling noises, and secrets buried deep in the past, Georgiana and Cat must confront the most dangerous threat of all: the feelings that have fueled their rivalry for years.
Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti Review
What Works in Ladies in Hating
If there’s one thing Alexandra Vasti proves with Ladies in Hating, it’s her remarkable talent for writing sharp, entertaining dialogue. The novel is infused with a distinctly British sense of humor that historical romance readers are likely to adore.
The protagonists are another major strength. Aristocratic Georgiana and rebellious Cat couldn’t be more different, yet their contrasting personalities complement each other perfectly. Their chemistry feels fresh, believable, and engaging from the very first pages.
They’re incredibly easy to root for. Their banter is irresistible, making every interaction memorable and entertaining. And when it comes to mutual pining, Georgiana and Cat deserve an Olympic gold medal! Repressed feelings, misunderstandings, and years of longing form the emotional core of the novel.
The romantic tension is palpable throughout, and it’s impossible not to cheer for their happily-ever-after.
From a romance perspective, Ladies in Hating absolutely delivers.
Where the Story Falls Short
Where the novel worked less well for me was in the handling of the plot and the emotional development of its protagonists.
The simplicity of the storyline isn’t inherently a problem. After all, modern romance often prioritizes emotional dynamics, beloved tropes, and character relationships over intricate plotting. Alexandra Vasti clearly understands what her audience is looking for.
The gothic atmosphere and haunted-house setting also add a great deal of charm. The spooky vibes work wonderfully and give the story a distinctive personality.
However, I couldn’t help feeling that the forced-proximity trope could have been used more effectively. Georgiana and Cat find a solution to their situation relatively quickly, which reduces much of the narrative potential that comes with being forced to live together.
The romance might also have benefited from a longer stay inside the haunted house. Instead, the story introduces a series of additional obstacles that occasionally feel repetitive or less compelling than the central setup.
An Emotional Conflict That Becomes Repetitive
Georgiana is the character most affected by this issue.
For much of the novel, she continues to fall back into the same patterns of insecurity, self-doubt, and self-sabotage. While it’s perfectly normal for a protagonist to struggle with overcoming their emotional wounds, some of these conflicts feel drawn out longer than necessary.
Even after moments that should represent meaningful growth, Georgiana often returns to the same fears and mistakes. As a result, parts of the final act can feel somewhat stagnant, reducing the emotional impact of the story’s conclusion.
A similar pattern emerges in the relationship itself. Misunderstandings, arguments, and reconciliations begin to follow a fairly predictable cycle that gradually loses some of its effectiveness.
Why Ladies in Hating Is Still Worth Reading
Fortunately, the novel’s lively pacing prevents these flaws from significantly affecting the reading experience.
Ladies in Hating is an immensely enjoyable read. It’s funny, entertaining, and supported by a fantastic cast of secondary characters. Between eccentric side characters, memorable supporting players, and the adorable dog Sir Francis Bacon, the story never fails to raise a smile!
The novel also incorporates a light mystery subplot and a few paranormal touches that further enhance its atmosphere.
While it’s not a flawless book, Ladies in Hating is a charming, romantic, and thoroughly entertaining sapphic historical romance. If you love rivals-to-lovers dynamics, witty banter, mutual pining, and gothic settings, Alexandra Vasti may have written exactly the book you’re looking for.
What to Read After Ladies in Hating
- Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall
- Love and Other Disasters by Emma R. Alban
- The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
- The Devil She Knows by Alexandria Bellefleur
- Ladies’ Knight by Amie Kaufman
- Or any of the upcoming Regency and Victorian WLW romances on this 2026 release list! 😀
