BOTM 1 - May 2022 - Unmasked by the Marquess

[Susan]

Discussion thread for the first BOTM for May 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Unmasked by the Marquess by Cat Sebastian

Synopsis:

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?

[Maureen]

I ordered this book from the Library early so I have read it. I enjoyed this book. The plot had quite a bit of humour, some gender deception, character change and finally understanding love and self sacrifice. Hope you all enjoy it too.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I am uncertain on this one. I might read the audio book, which I think I have available by my library.

[Mary-Catherine]

I just rented this one from Hoopla! I would highly recommend you all see if your library pays for a Hoopla subscription if you are thinking about reading this title. They have both the audiobook and the ebook on Hoopla.

[Jan]

I reread this one recently so won't join this read. It's a very good book and I gave it 4 stars. I think I enjoyed it even more on the reread. Lovely relationship between two people who accept that they don't fit in to regular gender roles, but who somehow fit together beautifully.

I'll be interested to read others' comments.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mary-Catherine wrote: "I just rented this one from Hoopla! I would highly recommend you all see if your library pays for a Hoopla subscription if you are thinking about reading this title. They have both the audiobook an..."

I love Hoopla, but many don’t have access to it. I think it’s just available in the USA, maybe Canada.

[Maureen]

I use Hoopla every month in Canada through my library. If the Library doesn’t have the print copy Hoopla might. Great alternative. I am only allowed 2 items per month.

[jenny867]

I decided to borrow this on audiobook (Hoopla, thanks for the heads up!) and boy am I glad I did.

This is the first fiction book I've ever listened to and I wasn't sure how it would go because I have ADHD and find it hard to concentrate with audio alone. But man, the narrator for this book is amazing! I do have to rewind occasionally but the way he reads is so captivating (and the voice he uses for Alistair is perfect.)

At first, my plan was to swap between the audiobook and the ebook depending on whether I had hands free but I can't make myself go back to my Kobo. 😂

I'm around 2/3 the way through and I'm really enjoying it so far.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Just started to read this story. Sounds interesting

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I am enjoying this read. Feel so sorry for the Marquess, such a sad life. Then he find happiness with Robin. Then to find out it’s all a lies. Poor Robin in a bit of a pickle now .

Life so complicated for this couple

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I found this a nice read. Like both H and h. I found it a story to keep you interested. With a lot going on. She learned him how to interact with his family and brought him happiness as well as problems.

[Jan]

Glad you enjoyed Shaz. As I read the book, I wasn't sure how things were going to work themselves out for the H and h, but in the end I thought the author did a good job of sorting it all out for their HEA.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I also was wondering how the story was going to work out. It all ended up fine in the end.
Not too sure about the dress code at the wedding. It probably would not have gone down to well in those days . 😱😂

[Jan]

Shaz wrote: "Not too sure about the dress code at the wedding. It probably would not have gone down to well in those days . 😱😂."

Ha ha. True.

[Cath]

Just started and am about halfway thru chapt 4.

Thoughts:
Yes, Alistair is a prig! (Especially when he puts his spectacles on. lol) But I don't mind it b/c I understand why he is as he is, given his father's irresponsible behavior. Cat Sebastian has done a good job establishing why the character would be this way. I don't like Alistair but am sympathetic to what he has had to deal with.

So far, the scenes that are supposed to show the ways in which Alistair is drawn to Charity aren't working for me. That includes when Charity says things that make Alistair laugh. Those scenes/pieces of dialogue fall flat for me. I just don't feel the sparks. But that's okay b/c overall the writing flows along well enough, and I'm interested in how things play out, so that I can just overlook that.

What I'm very interested in learning more about is Alistair's thoughts/feelings about, and previous experiences, regarding his attraction to men. (view spoiler)[I was surprised he got so hands-on with Charity/Robin in the scene at White's b/c he seems to still be at the point where he thinks he's not giving in to temptation. Would it not seem weird to the other men that Alistair is touching Charity/Robin so much? Did Alistair not think he'd revealed too much? It just seemed like it was dealt with in a matter of fact way, like it was all no big deal... (hide spoiler)]

I love Charity's personality and am eager to learn more about her background and experiences. I especially like her sense of honor (I'm always a sucker for honorable characters.)

I'm enjoying the secondary characters. My favorite bits so far:
(view spoiler)[Amelia and Charity getting on so well, talking about Greek and Roman authors; Gilbert and Louisa discussing agriculture; Keating's and aunt Agatha's collusion re: Charity's secret; Alistair's long suffering footman? butler? Hopkins making his various announcements of visitors (hide spoiler)]. Actually I think I like pretty much everyone except Alistair! ha ha But I am engaged by his situation and very curious to see how things will transpire...

[Susan]

Cath wrote: "Just started and am about halfway thru chapt 4.

Thoughts:
Yes, Alistair is a prig! (Especially when he puts his spectacles on. lol) But I don't mind it b/c I understand why he is as he is, given ..."

Hi Cath - I have also just finished Chapter 4. I am liking it so far - not sure I am loving it yet, but I think it is all just unfolding. I do like a book with lots of good secondary characters and some humour and this one is fitting that bill nicely. (view spoiler)[I also thought the chat between Louise and Gilbert about drainage was funny....I suspect Gilbert was not really listening....just entranced...it will be fun to see the outcome of that infatuation, especially as Alistair seems to think it will go nowhere.
I am also looking forward to seeing more of Aunt Agatha as I am with you and suspect she has hidden depths. (hide spoiler)]

[Susan]

What an interesting and entertaining book! It has really got me thinking about a number of things.

Firstly, how much easier it was a for a male/male relationship to develop at that period of time. I am used to reading books where the h and H have to contrive to find time to be together...snatched moments in alcoves at balls, rushed conversations in busy drawing rooms...whereas Robin and Alistair were at leisure to drop it at each others homes and spend hours together reading and just conversing. I love a romance where a true friendship develops alongside the romance/lust. This is one of the reasons my favorite trope is 'proximity' eg. where they are trapped in a carriage for 5 days. I note that this trope is the theme for our August BOTM. :)

Secondly, I found the non-binary/transgender character fascinating. The afterward in my kindle version talked about historical precedents for this. It also talked about the authors decision to use certain he/she pronouns rather than they/them. It did notice when reading that she switched between he/her depending on the role at the time.

As I stated above I enjoyed this one. Around half way it started to flag a bit, but then suddenly it shifted gears and I raced through the last half. Cat Sebastian is a good writer, the plot was well developed and it was very funny in parts. I loved all the poultry and my two favorite secondary characters, Keating and Aunt Agatha lived up to my expectations.

Some favourite scenes: (view spoiler)[ the scene where Robin dropped in on Alistair because he was feeling down and Alistair read to him from the gothic historical romance; Alistair continuously giving the inn keeper gifts; the scene at Whites where Alistair is getting drunk after his rejected proposal; oh and there were many more (hide spoiler)]

[Jan]

I like books where the protagonists become friends as well as lovers, too, Susan. You feel as if their love story/relationship might really last, not like some dodgy 'instalove' storylines.

I also found the book's storyline and characters interesting and different from what I usually read. The afterword was interesting too. For anyone that thinks transgender is a 20th/21st Century phenomenon, um, no. There have doubtless always been (and always will be) those who don't fit in to traditional gender stereotypes and roles. I think this book explored that with sensitivity and respect.