Unmasked by the Marquess: The Regency Impostors (Regency Impostors, #1)

by Cat Sebastian

"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. 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. 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?"--

• ISBN10: 0062821601
• ISBN13: 9780062821607
• Publish Date: 29 May 2018 (first published 17 April 2018)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[celinenyx]

Real rating is 3,5 stars.

A non-binary main character! A bisexual hero! Historical shenanigans! All of these elements made Unmasked by the Marquess a book I had to try. Charity/Robert/Robin has lived as a man for the past four years. She went to Cambridge, and is now in London, presenting her sister to society. Lord Pembroke will do everything to keep his reputation spotless, and falling in love with (a person he assumes to be) a man isn't part of this equation.

Cross-dressing and genderbending can be treated dreadfully in fictional stories. The "gender reveal" moment can be horrifying. Although I cannot speak for how Unmasked by the Marquess makes trans people feel, I liked how Charity/Robin's identity was treated, more notably: how it was taken seriously. Her role in the story is not to be "cured". She is undeniably who she is, and the novel resonated with what I know about history. While Alistair and Robin have plenty of issues to work out, mainly about trust and opening up to each other, her gender identity is never truly contested, and Alistair takes these developments in stride.

Alistair is the anthropomorphic equivalent of a well-starched collar. Always correct and presentable, he has taken his title and role a bit too seriously, and his character development revolves around him discovering that what society thinks is actually not that important. A notable flaw, on the other hand, is Robin's development. Or, the lack thereof. Because Mx Sebastian is careful not to present Robin as damaged in any way, there is little growth for her to be had. In essence, she is much the same person she was in the beginning, only having gained a new person in the form of Alistair. A substantial part of her identity is determined by her providing for her sister, Louisa, but Unmasked by the Marquess fails the Bechdell test. Although there is plenty of drama whirling around, this is superficial. The drama caused by Lousia and Alistair's brother Gilbert is merely window-dressing; although Alistair, again, shows substantial growth in regard to his behaviour to his brother, Robin's development is lacking.

While I LOVE what the author attempted to do in Unmasked by the Marquess, I wish Robin had been given more room to shine, as she deserves.

[Lynn]

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+***