One of the most delicious plot tropes in romance books is the fake identity.
Whether it’s Cyrano de Bergerac writing letters to his love under the guise of a different man or a gender-queer protagonist switching between costumes to keep up a double identity, the “I’m not who I say I am” trope leads to lots of yummy dramatic irony as we readers watch the disguised character get more and more anxious about revealing their truth.
If you love fake identities in romance, you’ll love these thirteen books! These were all featured on the Historical Romance Sampler podcast. Be sure to check out the “listen to the episode” links if you want to hear the author read a chapter and then chat with me about their writing!
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Hot Earl Summer
by Erica Ridley
Bold, curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves cuddling hedgehogs almost as much as she adores vanquishing villains with the sharp blade concealed inside her cane. Despite others' opinions about her body and gender, nothing will stop her from seeing justice done.
When her next mission drops her at the dastardly Earl of Densmore's castle, she's prepared to duel like gentlemen--only to be locked inside! Her trusty sword cannot defeat the castle's hidden traps ... or protect her heart from the devilishly handsome rogue guarding the keep.
When reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn't expect the earl to vanish altogether. Nor could Stephen predict mounting death threats ... or the arrival of a beguiling, blade-wielding spinster who declares herself his new bodyguard.
As the earl's enemies lay siege to the castle, Stephen fights his way past Elizabeth's defenses. She'll share his bed, but when the adventure concludes, she vows to sever their affair. Unless he can somehow convince a swashbuckling siren to surrender her heart ...
A Scandal with a Scoundrel
by Cecilia Rene
Lady Winifred Musgrave never imagined the lengths she would go to protect her family and their home. With their future hanging in the balance, she makes a bold move that could cost her everything. Inventing an impossible scenario, Winnie sets in motion a scandal of epic proportions. One that could ruin her reputation and leave her with nothing.
Richard Musgrave, The Duke of Richmore, is a man of honor and integrity. He has always lived by a strict code. But a case of mistaken identity leads him into the arms of a goddess. A single wicked night with the captivating lady and Richard finds himself in a debilitating passion he cannot deny.
As they navigate the dangerous waters of their newfound passion, Richard and Winnie must confront the truth. Will they risk everything for a chance at happiness? Or will society's expectations force them to live a life of unhappiness and isolation?
Isabel and the Rogue
by Liana De la Rosa
When a Mexican heiress defies Victorian society to protect her country a British war hero makes it his new mission to protect her…
Isabel Luna Valdés has long since resigned herself to being the “forgotten” Luna sister. But thanks to familial connections to the Mexican ambassador in London, wallflower Isabel is poised to unearth any British intelligence hidden by the ton that might aid Mexico during the French Occupation. Though she slips easily from crowded ballrooms into libraries and private studies, Isabel’s search is hampered by trysting couples and prowling rogues—including the rakish Captain Sirius Dawson.
As a covert agent for the British Home Office, Sirius makes a game of earning the aristocracy’s confidence. He spends his days befriending foolish politicians and seducing well-born ladies in order to learn their secrets. But after he spies a certain sharp-tongued Luna sister lurking in the shadows where no proper debutante should venture, it’s clear Sirius is outmatched, outwitted, and soon to be outmaneuvered by the one woman he can’t resist.
Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but when Isabel discovers private correspondence that could turn the tide of political turmoil in Mexico, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect her country—even if this means ignoring her heart and courting danger...
Maggie and the Pirate’s Son
by Rose Prendeville
Once upon a time, Maggie Mackintosh Budge yearned for handsome rogues and breathtaking adventure. Now widowed after a disastrous marriage and desperate to escape her still-matchmaking father, she stows away on the nearest vessel because sometimes the only solution is running away to sea.
Bastian MacLeod never chose a life of piracy, but after coming of age under the brutal regime of Auldfarrand's Revenge, his world has been limited to placating the volatile captain and staying one step ahead of the navy-that is until he discovers Maggie in the cargo hold. The first rule of piracy is: wenches are unlucky and will be cast overboard.
With Bastian's help, Maggie disguises herself and joins the crew, but sparks between them ignite like St. Elmo's Fire. Can they keep her secret-and keep their hands off each other-long enough to outwit the navy and hunt down the captain's lost treasure? Or will bad luck send them both to the hangman's noose?
Second Duke’s the Charm
by Kate Bateman
The wedding-night death of her much older husband left Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford—and still a virgin. Now she and her two best friends investigate London’s most scandalous crimes, and while Tess longs to experience physical pleasure for herself, she can’t risk losing her treasured independence...
Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he’ll do his duty. When the ravishing woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Dowager Duchess, Justin sees an obvious solution: a marriage of convenience that will suit them both.
But the passion that sparks between them is anything but convenient. As Tess works on a new case at the request of Queen Charlotte, her increasingly suspicious behavior makes Justin question her motives—and her past. The infuriating woman clearly can’t be trusted, but Justin doesn’t believe in love, so there’s absolutely no danger of him falling for his own wife...is there?
A Season of Treason
by Golden Angel
In the service of England's spymaster (well, his niece, but surely he'll appreciate the help), Miss Mary Wilson is on a mission to uncover a treasonous plot. Though her only clue leads to the debaucherous secret society of the Marquess of Hartford, a lifetime of being overlooked should ensure her access to all of the gossip her assignment will require. There's just one problem: Mary is due to find a husband this Season and her Aunt Elizabeth, the Viscountess Hood, is determined to see her niece shine bright.
Focused on finding the perfect bride this Season, the Marquess of Hartford, known to his friends as Rex, finds himself distracted by the quiet Miss Wilson as she continually turns up everywhere she shouldn't be. As Rex considers the misbehaving Miss Wilson, a curious thought occurs to him. Is it possible that she could be the kind of bride who would enjoy life by his side and the pursuits of the Society of Sin?
The Scottish Scheme
by Ally Hudson
Their first meeting was a disaster. Their second will change everything.
Mr. Tom Grayson's world was grey-until he laid eyes on Alexander Hasket, Duke of Rosehill. Captivated by the enigmatic Rosehill, Tom bungled their introduction. A tragedy that proved inconsequential, as Rosehill forgot him altogether.
Three years later, the anonymity of a masquerade offers a rare gift-a second chance at a first impression. Their flirtatious yet earnest interlude leaves Tom enthralled, rendering it all the more devastating when he discovers that he still remains utterly forgettable to Xander.
Love is an indulgence-one of which Xander dare not dream. After two failed courtships, rumors haunt the wealthy and powerful duke. When the weight of gossip and responsibilities threaten to drown him, Xander begins to long for the Scottish estate he's never set eyes on, Kilmarnock Abbey.
Obliged to attend a masquerade that promises only misery, Xander's night takes an unexpected turn when he is charmed by a handsome stranger. But with his departure to Scotland imminent, Xander hasn't the time to entertain impossible fantasies-nor does he have patience for the nosy, fascinating Grayson brother who suddenly appears around every corner.
The Scottish Scheme follows a jaded duke and an aimless second son as they build an unconventional life together within the ruins of a noble estate. Within those crumbling abbey walls, they discover love, family, and freedom-all under the critical gaze of an exceptionally ornery sheep.
A Fine Looking Soldier
by Jane Hadley
Charley Smith is up to something...
Henry Schaefer is sick of standing in his brothers' shadows. That's why he tried to enlist just as soon as Lincoln put out the call. Now that he's finally mustering in at Fort Snelling in the last company of the Second Minnesota Regiment, he's eager to prove himself and catch up with his brothers on the front lines. He may be green, but at least he's not as green as the snot-nosed Charles Smith, who seems hell-bent on making life in their squad as difficult as humanly possible.
Charles Smith knows he's being an unbearable ass. But it's nothing personal - it's a matter of survival. Because the last thing he can afford is for his squad to discover he is actually Cate Ellis, whose unhappy marriage finally drove her to throw everyone's expectations to the wind and do all she can to open up the promise of freedom to every square mile of these United States. Which, in this case, means disguising herself as a man. It's too bad she has to do everything she can to drive that lughead Schaefer away, because he is ... well, he is objectively a very strapping man.
Henry knows there's something off about Charley. And he's going to get to the bottom of it, even if the little weasel has these dark eyes he can't quite look away from...
Miss Mason’s Secret Baron
by Addy Du Lac
She's betrothed, but fate tempts her with another...
As a child, Regina's father traded her identity for the extraordinary opportunity to make her a Baroness. Now, after 4 dead fiancés Regina is ready to marry a horse as long as it gets her down the aisle. At the very least it would distract her from Leo Kingston, the gorgeous, charismatic PI she keeps running into. Every moment in his presence tests her resolve to commit to the marriage designed to protect her mother and sister from the continued slights of the British ton.
Leo Kingston has built his life and career with skill, blood and sweat. But his careful life is upended when a family secret threatens to rewrite his very identity. He isn't interested in a legacy of pain and entitlement especially when it paints a target on his back. The only thing that could make him think twice is Regina Mason, the brave, cunning beauty who caught his interest at first sight. His choice is clear; stay safe in the shadows or follow his heart into the light and the crosshairs of danger.
A twist of fate is about to offer them everything they want, for a price too deadly to ignore. What's on offer? Wealth, privilege, and a passionate love that will shake the foundations of the ton itself.
What's at risk? Life and limb. Will the fear of danger prove too much, or will these two warriors fight and win
... with a little help from their friends?
Lavender & Gin
by Abigail Aaronson
After a decade disguised as her missing twin brother, Kasia leads a gang running liquor for the most powerful mob in the city. The ruse gave her a foot in the door, but in order to keep her position-and more importantly, to keep money flowing in for her and her sick mother-she has to be willing to do whatever it takes. And what it takes is cold calculation and a ruthless hand. She needs both in spades when a new police chief is determined to eliminate Detroit's mafia, a threat to destroy everything she's built.
When Kasia learns Sophia-a glamorous flapper who owns an underground queer club-has an unusual hold on the supposedly-incorruptible chief, Kasia wants in on Sophia's secret. Blackmailing Chief Harding could protect her gang and give her a leg up in the mob's ranks. But her plan unravels when she falls for Sophia's fiery spirit and sophisticated charm. After years of avoiding relationships to protect her identity, her feelings for Sophia lead Kasia to take bigger risks than ever. Risks that endanger her gang, her secret, and her life.
Blackpoint
by Kate Hershberger
Joseph McNiff has lived a life unlike any other.
Being half Irish and half Blackfoot is not easy for a young man in the old west. He has a place in both the white man's world and the native tribe, but he's never really fit into either. It's even more complicated as he is really a woman and trying to keep the town safe as it's sheriff. The last thing Joe needs is to make his life any harder than it already is.
When a beautiful woman with a mysterious past comes into his life, Joe finds himself opening his home and quite possibly his heart to the newcomer. But he also has to tread carefully, making sure that he doesn't reveal too much and risk putting himself in danger.
Cassandra Gibson has lived a very sheltered life.
Growing up with her abusive father, she was sure the only way she would ever get out of his house would be if she married or when he died. After a really bad morning, Cassie finds herself running away from the only life she's ever known hoping to find a town where she can start fresh. She remembers a town her father once spoke about, to the north. A town with no church and no sense, according to him.
It sounds perfect.
Blackpoint is a town full of people just trying to live their lives in the best way possible. Many people have settled there and succeeded in finding peace. Hopefully, Joe and Cassie will be able to as well.
A Lady for All Seasons
by TJ Alexander
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman who has lost her fortune must be in need (not want) of a husband. Beautiful, cunning Verbena Montrose must marry to save herself and her odious family from abject poverty. Fortunately, what she lacks in a dowry, she makes up for in the currency of gossip.
When she hears an alarming rumor about her very dear, very queer friend Étienne that could ruin him, she comes to his aid with a proposal—for a marriage of convenience, that is. But when Verbena discovers that a mysterious and celebrated poet by the name of Flora Witcombe has been publishing verses that hint she is onto their scheme, Verbena has no choice but to pretend to be a poet herself to confront her in a local salon. And—unexpectedly—be charmed by her.
Flora, in turn, is terrified by and smitten with Verbena in equal measure. But she holds a secret of her own: he is also William Forsyth, a struggling novelist and fifth son of a minor noble family. And if circumstances don’t allow Flora to woo Verbena, perhaps William can. Faced with two suitors and a fiancé, Verbena, who has always had to be clever to survive in society, starts to realize she may need to think outside of society’s constraints to find true happiness.
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