Two women, one refined and one ribald, set their sights on marrying the same duke, but instead of becoming enemies, they find themselves falling in love—though not with him.

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.

ON SALE September 9, 2025 from Dial Press/Penguin Random House!

EARLY PRAISE 

“My new favorite romance author.” —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series 

"Lady Like is a genuinely, strikingly funny romantic romp. I inhaled it!"  –Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Great Big Beautiful Life 

"Lady Like is compulsively readable; perfectly clever, funny, and hot - it's one of my favourite 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 

"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, author of A Gentleman’s Gentleman 

“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, author of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love 

“There is no better feeling than starting a book and almost immediately realizing that it is going to be a cherished favorite...I cannot express how happy this book made me—it’s an absolute delight from the first page to the very last word.” —Martha Waters, author of To Woo and to Wed

☆ “Lee’s delightful adult debut will please fans of her YA historical fiction as well as romance readers encountering her for the first time…A sparkling Sapphic romance that brings many facets of Regency London to life.” —Kirkus, Starred review

☆ “riotously entertaining…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. The result should win Lee a legion of new fans.” —Publisher’s Weekly, Starred Review

☆ “A sapphic love story set in an alternate Regency London devoid of homophobia, Lady Like is engaging, sweet and utterly satisfying.” —Bookpage, starred review

“This joyful, sapphic historical romance is an absolute treasure for fans of Bridgerton and Cat Sebastian.” —Booklist