Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz is a historical romance that reimagines the courtship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler—the same pair made famous in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton. But instead of rapping battles and stage lights, this story takes you deep into the real-life world of 18th-century America, during the heart of the Revolutionary War.
The novel opens in 1777 at a glittering ball hosted by the wealthy and well-connected Schuyler family in Albany, New York. Eliza, one of three daughters, isn’t as flashy as her sisters—but she’s intelligent, independent, and quietly rebellious against the expectations placed on young women of her status. That night, she meets Alexander Hamilton, a young officer delivering bad news to her father. Though Alex arrives on official business, a spark ignites between the two.
At this point in history, Alex is working as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp—a trusted advisor and letter writer—but he’s also an orphan with no family name, land, or fortune. That matters in Eliza’s world, where daughters are expected to marry well and strengthen their family’s social standing. This sets up the central conflict: can love overcome the rigid expectations of class, gender, and family duty?
De la Cruz blends fact and fiction in a way that feels natural. She incorporates real historical events and figures—like the Battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the political tensions brewing between states—but focuses most on the emotional lives of her characters. Her writing is heartfelt and personal, showing both Alex and Eliza as more than just names from a textbook. They’re smart, flawed, and deeply human.
What I loved most was how Eliza’s character was given real strength. In many historical love stories, the girls are quiet and passive. But here, Eliza is brave, outspoken, and thoughtful—someone who questions what’s expected of her and dreams of something more meaningful than a strategic marriage.
Alex & Eliza is a sweeping, romantic read with just the right amount of historical detail. It touches on real issues of the time: social class, women’s roles, and the uncertainty of war. If you liked Hamilton, enjoy historical fiction, or are looking for a love story with a bit more depth, this is a great pick. Best for teens and young adults.