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Unmasked by the Marquess: The Regency Impostors Kindle Edition

by Cat Sebastian (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 660 ratings
See all formats and editions

One of Library Journal's Best Romances of 2018

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?

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Regency Impostors
  2. Print length
    323 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Avon Impulse
  6. Publication date
    April 17, 2018
  7. File size
    2531 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cat Sebastian turns a romance's traditional Regency setting into a playground for exploring gender and sexuality. Think Virginia Woolf's Orlando, but for romance. Sebastian specializes in queer historical novels, so dive into her oeuvre if this is your jam." — O, the Oprah Magazine

“Sebastian gives readers a beautiful, emotional romance between two people who are thoroughly perfect for each other; Alistair’s response to Robin’s revelations is as powerful and poignant as the couple’s happily ever after is triumphant.” — Sarah MacLean, Washington Post

“Sebastian subverts the romance trope of the cross-dressing heroine with a protagonist whose presentation as male is not mere titillation but the authentic self-expression of a queer woman... A funny and poignant romance amid a delightful cast of characters makes this a must-read for historical romance fans.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Cat Sebastian sent me on an emotional rollercoaster with Unmasked by the Marquess, an unforgettable tale of powerful love that overcomes the odds. I was hooked from page one and adored these characters as they fought for their HEA. If you haven’t read Cat Sebastian, what are you waiting for?” — Lorraine Heath, New York Times bestselling author

“Rising romance star Sebastian launches her Regency Imposter series on a high note with another impeccably crafted, lusciously sensual love story that also gracefully—and quite cleverly—alludes to her previous, brilliant male-male Regency historical romances.” — Booklist

“Brimming with warmth, laughter, and passion, this book is an absolute delight. The honesty and bravery of the lovers made me literally cheer out loud, and Robin is now among my favorite romance leads of all time. I adored every little bit of this novel.”
— Katharine Ashe, USA Today bestselling author of The Duke

“A witty romantic romp from start to finish with an ending that will make you smile and sigh, proving true love will always find a way.”
— Valerie Bowman, author of The Right Kind of Rogue

“This book is a pleasure that cuts deep. It’s a slow-motion stained-glass heartbreak, all sparkling color and velvet shadow and sharp edges slicing you without mercy.” — Seattle Review of Books

"Cat Sebastian is a queen of queer historical romance...Sebastian never disappoints." — Entertainment Weekly

From the Back Cover

The one you love . . . Robert Selby is determined to see his sister Louisa 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 Louisa 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?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B071J6RRSQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon Impulse (April 17, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 17, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2531 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 323 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 660 ratings

About the author

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Cat Sebastian

Cat Sebastian

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Cat writes queer historical romance. In her spare time she acquires too many houseplants and misplaces things. She lives in a swampy part of the American south but also on twitter.

Visit Cat at CatSebastian.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
660 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Alison
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and Moving and Gloriously Queer
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
Fantastic and super queer. Awesome non-binary main character alert! This is one of the most queer-affirming, queer-validating books I've ever read. It warmed my little queer non-binary heart so much. We not only have an uptight bisexual marquess as a main character (rare, in itself), but there's also the charming non-binary character who totally sweeps him off his feet (practically unheard of in romance). Here are two queer identities that don't get a whole lot of representation in romance and to see them done well in a mainstream historical romance by mega-publisher Avon completely blows me away. I'm so impressed with Cat Sebastian (and Avon, for that matter). This is an unconventional love story about two awesome queer people and I loved it. It's special and it really worked for me.

Both main characters are wonderful and endearing. Alistair is a bit stuffy and a bit grumpy and very proper and honourable (because his father wasn't, not at all) and Robert/Charity/Robin (different names for different situations and different times) is a charming orphan rogue with a smart mouth and sharp mind. Robin (the name she ends up calling herself) is nonbinary and, while she uses female pronouns and is fine with that, she does not identify as a woman. The author says in the afterword if Robin were around today she would use gender-neutral pronouns, but I'll stick with the female ones because that's what's in the book. Robin has spent five years living as Robert Selby, an identity she claimed from a deceased gentleman who was a close friend, so she could both attend Cambridge and help the original Robert's sister make her way in society.

It's awesome that these two both start out happy with who they are and they accept themselves, and then they find someone who loves them exactly as they are and who really sees them and accepts them for who they are and how they are. It's a beautiful thing. They make an excellent pair. They genuinely like each other and their friends-to-lovers romance is lovely. Both characters grow over the course of the book, but Alistair's character development, in particular, is a treat to read.

There are some really beautiful and moving moments in this book, especially when it comes to Alistair not just accepting but loving and actively supporting Robin's gender identity. Alistair comes to really see Robin and love all of her--how she is and how she looks and how she lives her life. And, though she'd never change for him, he doesn't want her to because he already thinks she's awesome and super hot and wants her to be happy. There are some small things he does that are so completely and genuinely affirming of her gender identity and they totally made me cry because sometimes it’s the little things that are actually really important and aren’t actually little things after all. There’s a moment like that maybe two-thirds through that just wrecked me because it’s beautiful and subtle and powerful and so moving. It’s him, I think completely unintentionally and without words, showing her unequivocally that he loves who she is and wants her to be happy and that he’s doing all he can to help out with that and I absolutely loved it. There's some tension around how they can actually be together because of society being dumb and unaccepting in the nineteenth century, but they work it out. The ending is lovely and nontraditional.

As a non-binary person, I think it's worth saying that I think the author got it right. Robin's identity felt authentic. This is only the second book I've ever read where the non-binary identity felt like something I could actually relate to somewhat (the other book is KJ Charles' An Unsuitable Heir), which is a neat feeling. Sebastian really impressed me with these characters and this book and this love story, plus she talks about gender non-conforming identities a little in the afterword, which is neat. Robin’s awesome and Alistair’s completely wonderful and I look forward to reading this again.

I don't like the cover and I don't like the blurb (ahem, Robin isn't a woman), though I doubt the author had much, if anything, to do with either of those things. I absolutely loved this book for what it is--a gorgeous and unconventional love story about underrepresented queer people with the message that everyone can have a happy ending, no matter who they are. It's amusing, well written, and moving. Recommended.
11 people found this helpful
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Sharyn McK
4.0 out of 5 stars Gender fluid
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
I am in awe of Cat Sebastein. This is the 4th book of hers I have read , and though I prefer books, do not mind reading her on kindle. This story has me laughing, crying and simply enjoying. Robert/Charity/Robin is a wonderful character, and her effect on everyone around her is wonderful to behold. She brings Alistair to life, sometimes against his will. His acceptance of her changes him completely (a kitten in his lap is a nice touch). There are several HEA's, and Onloved each one. I highly recommend this book, it is quite out of the ordinary.
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Lynn Pool (Ellesea)
5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional historical romance
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
Another, more than satisfying adventure set in Regency England. I've been a fan of Cat Sebastian's since reading her début; The Soldier's Scoundrel. Her M/M novels are some of my favourite historical romances. So, picking up her latest new release is effortless and what I love most about this one is her ability to create something new and refreshing.

Spending time trying to repair the estate ruined by his feckless father has been a large part of Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke's adult life. Restoring the family reputation and protecting his wealth are his only concerns. So, when a cheeky young scamp comes to his door asking for favours, he surprises himself by not only offering to assist but by his attraction to the scrawny looking chap.

Robert Selby needs a favour or two. With no money or connections, he has to secure the future for his sister and find a suitable husband for her. Only, he is actually a housemaid called Charity Church, an unfortunate situation. When he asks the Marquess of Pembroke for assistance, he's surprised and relieved by his begrudging offer to support his scheme, but it's his attraction to the gruff older gentleman which astonishes him more.

As expected, many colourful secondary characters are present. As allies to the protagonists' unconventional tentative relationship, they are humorous and entertaining. However, the journey to their happy ending is as bumpy as you'd expect for a pompous bisexual hero and his non-binary heroine. For me, it's refreshing and identifies the people who I've always believed to exist in history but seldom discussed. Bravo to the author for bringing such characters and their fascinating lives to our attention.

Watching the stiff, proper Marquess weaken his attraction to Robin is endearing. Finding out Charity's real identity is a gift he can't ignore. His acceptance very much down to his preference to Robin rather than when Charity is herself. Equally, Charity's single-mindedness to continue masquerading as a man and how the pair finally finds a solution that works for them to be together rather than apart is captivating.

One attribute that stands out with Ms Sebastian's work is the positivity she places on the happiness of her protagonists. I love that fiction allows a rosier than normal view of their existence, because why shouldn't we portray characters from centuries ago enjoying their lives, regardless of their sexual orientation? Robin/Charity and Alistair's romance has all the elements to cause a scandal at worse or unlimited gossip for the ton at the very least. However, their relationship is normal albeit eccentric to the uninformed. I appreciate the author's notes at the end of this novel which highlights our protagonists' relationship isn't unique even in Regency times.

To sum up, another exquisitely written narrative which hooked me right from the start. As a go-to favourite author, I'm eagerly anticipating her next release. If you are looking for an exceptional historical romance, Unmasked By The Marquess comes highly recommended.

***arc generously received courtesy of Avon Impulse via Edelweiss+***
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Top reviews from other countries

Brooke Abbey
5.0 out of 5 stars Want to read it again immediately!
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2018
Verified Purchase
How lovely to see NB and bi/pan representation in a period romance! And good Lord can she write a bedroom scene.
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giki
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly Written Uncoventional Romance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
I loved everything about this book. I have several of Cat Sebastian's books before and have found them to be a bit hit and miss, the best of them are absolutely fantastic though – and this is definitely in that category. A real find.
Despite is limited resources Robert Selby is determined to launch his beautiful sister, Louisa, on the London season and see her comfortably settled. He needs someone powerful to lend their support to get things started and he intends to make use of a tenuous link with the staid and absolutely respectable Marquess of Pembroke to get that support.
When the Marquess agrees to help it is only to frustrate the plans of his fathers ex-mistress, and perhaps because spending time with the charming Robert becomes more and more appealing. The only problem is that Robert Selby died 2 years ago and unbeknownst to the Marquess, the young man that so intrigues him is a woman, Charity Church, friend and former maid to Robert, who is determined to secure the best match for his sister.
It is (minus the cross-dressing) all so gloriously Georgette Heyer, the early part of the book seems an affectionate homage to 'Frederica', one of my favourite Heyer novels. It is witty and sharp and a huge amount of fun. The characters were easy to love, the pompous marquess with a soft heart, and especially Charity, bold Charity, chancing her arm and completely out of her depth. The story was interesting and the unconventional romance was thrilling. It was a great read.
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Closet Romantic
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting plot and well developed and written.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2022
Verified Purchase
I bought this book because I needed a story about gender identity for a reading chalenge. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story and the writing. It's a good plot with some interesting characters and covers something that has been going on for centuries and is nothing new. I shall look at reading more of Cat Sebastian's books.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable non-binary historical romance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great book, I really enjoyed how it explores gender in a historical romance, especially with a non-binary lead - seriously, I'd buy fifty more of these if they were out there, this seems to be a rare gem.
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Mashara
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
I spent 2 nights awake until 3 am reading this book.
It's made me laugh, cry with laughter and just out right cry.
I found both intelligent resourceful Robin and prickly emotionally stunned Alistair delightful and their connection clear and believable.
Alistair being bisexual and Robin non binary ads a level of realism to this romance, as most people are more than 1s or 0s.
Their sparring is hilarious and their sex is very hot.
Fully recommended.
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