A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian tells the story of Ash, a talented artist and engraver, who is hopelessly in love with his childhood friend Verity Plum, a printer and publisher. Their fiercely held principles and the revelation of Ash's hidden lineage as the heir to a dukedom create friction between them. The book is set in a Regency period with well-researched historical details, an exciting mystery involving the missing heir to a dukedom, and a strong cast of characters devoted to each other.

Characters:

The characters are vividly drawn, with a strong heroine and a gentle hero facing personal and societal challenges, although some supporting roles are less fleshed out.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by sharp dialogue and humor, creating an engaging atmosphere that combines levity with deeper themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a friends-to-lovers relationship set against a backdrop of political and personal struggles, including hidden identities and the tension of romantic feelings.

Setting:

The setting is a richly detailed Regency England, intertwined with political themes that underscore class struggles and social attitudes.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is uneven, with a slow start that eventually gains momentum but leads to a hurried conclusion.

Ash knew all too well that there were two varieties of pleasure in life. The first included art, fine weather, good company, and all the rest of the world’s benign delights. A man could hold these ple...

Notes:

The book is part of the Regency Imposters series by Cat Sebastian, and it's the second installment.

Main characters are Verity Plum, who runs a publishing company, and John Ashby, an artist.

The story features a friends-to-lovers romance with political undertones and themes of class.

Verity is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who is also bisexual.

Ash discovers he is the heir to the Duke of Arundel after a surprising family revelation.

The book includes elements of sexual tension as Verity asks Ash to illustrate an erotic novel.

Ash struggles with abandonment issues and has a kind personality, contrasting with Verity's grumpiness.

Both protagonists face societal pressures surrounding their growing feelings for each other.

The book addresses issues of class and the power dynamics between working-class characters and nobility.

Characters grapple with their identities and the complications of friendship and love.

The author explores themes of women's independence and the impact of marriage on personal agency.

The supporting characters, like Ash's aunt and Verity's brother, add depth but are described as somewhat one-dimensional.

There are criticisms about the pacing of the plot and lack of character connection in parts of the book.

The narrative includes historical elements, such as references to epilepsy and societal views on mental health.

The emotional journey between Verity and Ash feels rushed, according to some reviews, affecting the romance's depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for A Duke in Disguise include themes of mental health, epilepsy, societal oppression, and potentially triggering discussions on class struggles and familial issues.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in A Duke in Disguise, characterized by a slow-burning connection between the main characters amid various plot developments.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

One reluctant heir

If anyone else had asked for his help publishing a naughty novel, Ash would have had the sense to say no. But he's never been able to deny Verity Plum. Now he has his hands full illustrating a book and trying his damnedest not to fall in love with his best friend. The last thing he needs is to discover he's a duke's lost heir. Without a family or a proper education, he's had to fight for his place in the world, and the idea of it-and Verity-being taken away from him chills him to the bone.

One radical bookseller

All Verity wants is to keep her brother out of prison, her business afloat, and her hands off Ash. Lately it seems she's not getting anything she wants. She knows from bitter experience that she isn't cut out for romance, but the more time she spends with Ash, the more she wonders if maybe she's been wrong about herself.

One disaster waiting to happen

Ash has a month before his identity is exposed, and he plans to spend it with Verity. As they explore their long-buried passion, it becomes harder for Ash to face the music. Can Verity accept who Ash must become or will he turn away the only woman he's ever loved?

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Not Interested (4)

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A Duke in Disguise

Cat Sebastian

Book 2 in the series:Regency Imposters