The one you love…
Robert Selby is determined to see his sister make an advantageous match. But he has two problems: the Selbys have no connections or money and Robert is really a housemaid named Charity Church. She’s enjoyed every minute of her masquerade over the past six years, but she knows her pretense is nearing an end. Charity needs to see her beloved friend married well and then Robert Selby will disappear…forever.
May not be who you think…
Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke, has spent years repairing the estate ruined by his wastrel father, and nothing is more important than protecting his fortune and name. He shouldn’t be so beguiled by the charming young man who shows up on his doorstep asking for favors. And he certainly shouldn’t be thinking of all the disreputable things he’d like to do to the impertinent scamp.
But is who you need…
When Charity’s true nature is revealed, Alistair knows he can’t marry a scandalous woman in breeches, and Charity isn’t about to lace herself into a corset and play a respectable miss. Can these stubborn souls learn to sacrifice what they’ve always wanted for a love that is more than they could have imagined?
About the Book
Unmasked By The Marquess
by Cat Sebastian
Series
The Regency Impostors #1
Genre
Adult
Historical Romance
Publisher
Avon Impulse
Publication Date
April 17, 2018
My Review
Rating: 5 Stars ★★★★★
I've loved everything I've read thus far by Cat Sebastian, and this Regency romance is no exception to that rule. Women disguised as men is my catnip, but I was a tad hesitant to tag this in that category. I tagged it GLBTQIA+ because as far as I have words to describe people Pembroke strikes me as being bi and Charity/Robin as, at best guess, nonbinary (rather than a woman disguised as a man). I love seeing romances with diverse main characters, whether that diversity has to do with race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, religion, mental and physical ability... So hooray for diversity in romance!
Unmasked by the Marquess had a lot of the plot points I love about mistaken identity and women disguised as men romances: the necessity of misrepresenting oneself to a certain degree to someone else, building a relationship with that person, the turmoil over how and when to reveal the truth, and the fallout that necessarily ensues; awkward/funny bits when someone assumes something about the person because of their apparent gender; and especially in this novel the struggle to discover who you really are once concepts of gender norms are tipped on their heads (or dumped out the window all together). I love the personal growth and awakening Pembroke goes through throughout the course of the book. At one point he says Robin is like the coming of spring when he didn't even realize it was winter, and he truly does blossom like a flower in spring. If she's a robin, he's a tulip - one of the purple ones so dark they look almost black until the sun hits them just right, and then they look like deep-hued jewels.
Robin is also a great character, filled with strength and conviction and determined to do what is right as she determines it by her own unique moral compass as best she can. She struggles so hard to find out who she really is, down to not even truly having her own name, and then tries so hard to be true to herself while still being strong for those she loves. The chemistry between Robin and Pembroke is amazing, and I love the way their relationship develops and blooms along with the apt spring metaphors. I also love love LOVE Pembroke's description of her laugh as being like a pop of champagne. I can almost hear it, and I want to hang out with them, as well as with Amelia (whom I very much hope to see more of in future books in this series) at one of Mrs. Allenby's salons. And isn't that the hallmark of a great book? One that makes you wish you were a part of the story so you can be friends with all the characters you love.
Tour Wide Giveaway
To celebrate the release of UNMASKED BY THE MARQUESS, we’re giving away one paperback copy of THE RUIN OF A RAKE by Cat Sebastian!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 4/22/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Cat Sebastian
Cat Sebastian lives in a swampy part of the South with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. Before her kids were born, she practiced law and taught high school and college writing. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s doing crossword puzzles, bird watching, and wondering where she put her coffee cup.
Author Links
If adventure has a name…it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history’s forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.
