Unmasked by the Marquess

Alistair, the Marquess of Pembroke, lives by strict rules and propriety as he works to restore his family's reputation. His orderly world is disrupted when he meets Robert Selby, who arrives in London to help launch his sister into society. Robert harbors a significant secret - he was born female and assigned the name Robin Selby at birth, but has been living as a man. Their growing attraction forces both Alistair and Robin to question their assumptions about gender, class, and societal expectations. The romance between an aristocrat bound by duty and a person who defies traditional gender roles plays out against the backdrop of Regency London society. Their relationship challenges the rigid social structures and conventions of their time. This historical romance explores themes of identity, authenticity, and the courage to live truthfully in a world of strict social rules. The story examines how love can transcend societal categories and definitions.

Readers appreciate the historical romance's nonbinary representation and exploration of class differences between the main characters. Many note the authentic handling of gender identity within the Regency period context. What readers liked: - Complex character development, particularly Robin's journey - Natural integration of social issues without feeling preachy - Period-appropriate language and details - Sweet romance with good chemistry What readers disliked: - Some found Alastair too rigid and unlikeable initially - Pacing drags in middle sections - Resolution felt rushed for some readers - A few found the class conflict overshadowed the romance Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.89/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) BookBub: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Finally, a historical romance that acknowledges gender complexity existed in the past without making it the character's entire personality." - Goodreads reviewer

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✦ Author Cat Sebastian wrote this historical romance featuring a nonbinary protagonist - one of the first in mainstream historical romance publishing. ✦ The book challenges Regency romance conventions by exploring gender identity through the character of Robin, who was assigned female at birth but lives as both male and female at different times. ✦ While writing the novel, Sebastian extensively researched actual historical cases of people who lived outside traditional gender roles in Regency England. ✦ The story addresses class differences in Regency society, with the protagonist being from a working-class background who has risen to a position in society through education and determination. ✦ This book is part of the "Regency Imposters" series, which features characters who challenge societal norms of gender and sexuality in historical settings.