Tabs’ review of Unmasked by the Marquess (Regency Imposters, Book 1) by Cat Sebastian
Historical Romance published by Avon Impulse 17 Apr 18

This ridiculously charming queer historical romance pairs a stuffy bisexual marquess with a non-binary servant in disguise as a male aristocrat. It also features attempts at scheming by people who just can’t follow through with them, incredibly lascivious looks across ballrooms and drawing parlors, and reading aloud as love language. It’s a ball of delight wrapped up in a happiness bow, really.

Robert Selby and his sister, Louisa, are in London to find the latter a suitable husband. To that end, they tell a little white lie and ask a small favor from the Marquess of Pembroke. The big problem is the little white lie is actually the tip of the iceberg, because the charming Robert Selby, soon christened “Robbie” by the Marquess, is actually a former servant girl named Charity. When the real Robert Selby passed away leaving a fully entailed estate and absolutely no provisions for his young sister in his will, the pair devised a plan wherein Charity impersonates Robert just long enough to see Louisa securely married off.

Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke, carries the weight of his ancestors on his shoulders. After the passing of his father, he is the latest heir to a family of notorious rakes and reckless spendthrifts. He’s determined to make up for his predecessors and right his sinking ship. No scandal. No wasteful spending. He’s grumpy and stodgy and, frankly, ridiculously unhappy. But Robbie shakes things up and makes Alistair not want to be a stodgy butthead. Can Alistair realize that his priorities need shifting?

Alistair and Robbie are so freaking adorable together. They’re so compatible and their sexual tension is practically combustable. But sex and affection don’t automatically lead to long-term happiness. The problems they have to navigate are mountains, not molehills, and I was honestly so anxious that I had to peak at the end to see how things ended up. I had no doubt that they would get their happily ever after, but would they both get what they need to be able to be really happy? (Spoiler: Yes. Oh, yes.) This was my first book by Cat Sebastian, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Grade: A

See Stevie’s review here.

Summary:

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?

Read an excerpt.