A Duke in Disguise

A Duke in Disguise follows Verity Plum, a radical publisher in Georgian London who runs her print shop alongside her brother. Her longtime friend John Ashby, an engraver who works with her, harbors secret feelings for Verity while helping maintain her dangerous political printing operation. The discovery of John's true identity as a duke threatens to upend their careful dynamic and livelihood. Verity and John must navigate class divisions, political intrigue, and their own conflicting desires as circumstances force them to confront their feelings and futures. Their story plays out against the backdrop of 1790s London, with revolutionary pamphlets, seditious meetings, and the ever-present threat of government censors. The supporting cast includes Verity's brother Nate, fellow radicals, and members of the aristocracy who become entangled in their lives. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the tensions between duty and personal freedom. Through its central romance, it examines how societal constraints and class barriers impact relationships during a period of political upheaval.

Readers consistently note the slow-burn romance and focus on found family themes in this historical romance. Many cite the authentic period details and appreciate the representation of a bisexual heroine and epileptic hero. Likes: - Strong chemistry between main characters - Historical accuracy regarding epilepsy treatment - Complex side characters and relationships - Exploration of class differences - Writing style balances humor with serious topics Dislikes: - Some found the pacing too slow in the middle - Political subplot feels disconnected from main story - Several readers wanted more romantic scenes - Some found the resolution rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.87/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Reader Quote: "The historical details about printing presses and radical politics added depth without overwhelming the romance." - Goodreads reviewer "Great representation but wished for more intimate scenes between the leads." - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 Cat Sebastian specialized in LGBTQ+ historical romance before it became more common in mainstream publishing, helping pave the way for greater diversity in the genre 📚 The novel features a protagonists with epilepsy, bringing visibility to historical experiences of disability in romance literature 🎨 The book's setting in the publishing world of 1817 London reflects real historical tensions around radical political printing and government censorship 👑 Despite its title suggesting aristocratic romance, the novel subverts the common "secret duke" trope by focusing on working-class characters for most of the story 📖 The book is part of Sebastian's Regency Imposters series, which features queer characters who don't conform to period social expectations while remaining historically authentic