A Lady for a Duke — Alexis Hall

When Viola Caroll was presumed dead at Waterloo she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself. But freedom does not come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.

Their families reconnect, years after the war, and Viola discovers that Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognizes her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he's become.

As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings.

A Regency romance with trans rep and steamy bedroom scenes that don't shy away from below their waists. It's a bit of a slower burn than I usually read, but it is easily one of the best books I've read so far this year. Highly recommend!