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The Lady Disguised

First published 1990 · 340 pages

A playful, cross-dressing Regency romp that balances comedic misunderstandings with a tender, slow-blooming romance.

What it feels like

Reading this classic Regency romance feels like stepping into a charming, well-staged theatrical comedy. The narrative moves at a brisk, entertaining clip, driven by the inherent tension and humor of a heroine hiding in plain sight. There is a delightful, sunlit quality to the prose, which relies heavily on crisp, witty banter and the delicious dramatic irony of a hero slowly falling for someone whose true identity he doesn't yet grasp. Beneath the farcical elements of the cross-dressing disguise lies a genuinely tender emotional core about vulnerability, trust, and the fear of being seen as just another conquest. It is a cozy, comforting read that will thoroughly delight fans of traditional historical romance who love a spirited heroine, a slightly rakish hero, and a happily-ever-after earned through honesty rather than artifice.

Mood
  • cozy
  • romantic
  • theatrical
Tone
  • witty
  • playful
  • earnest
  • lighthearted
Pace
brisk
Themes
hidden identities · vulnerability of truth · seeing past appearances · the masks we wear
The writing
Crisp and dialogue-driven, balancing period-appropriate charm with breezy, accessible wit.
The arc
Moves from anxious, high-stakes deception to the tender, vulnerable surrender of true identity and love.
Who it's for
Readers who delight in classic, trope-heavy Regency romances where sparkling banter and comedic misunderstandings pave the way to true love.
Content notes
  • missing sibling
  • mild peril

About the book

When her young brother vanishes, Ada sets out to find him, disguising herself as a boy. But then she meets Derek Rutledge and falls desperately in love. Can she reveal her true identity without becoming just one of the many ladies at Derek's beck and call?

Description from Open Library.

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