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? “This book is a marvel and a gem.” - New York Times Book Review “Sebastian gives readers a beautiful, emotional romance between two people who are thoroughly perfect for each other; Alistair’s response to Robin’s revelations is as powerful and poignant as the couple’s happily ever after is triumphant.” - Sarah MacLean, Washington Post “Cat Sebastian has a place on my keeper shelf!” - Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author “Cat Sebastian sent me on an emotional rollercoaster with Unmasked by the Marquess , an unforgettable tale of powerful love that overcomes the odds. I was hooked from page one and adored these characters as they fought for their HEA. If you haven’t read Cat Sebastian, what are you waiting for?” - Lorraine Heath, New York Times bestselling author “Readers looking for a slow-burning historical romance will find a lot to enjoy here.” - Bookish.com “Cat Sebastian is a queen of queer historical romance...Sebastian never disappoints.” - Entertainment Weekly Cat Sebastian is an award-winning author of queer romance. Cat’s books include Star Shipped, We Could Be So Good and You Should Be So Lucky , and have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist . We Could Be So Good won a Lambda Literary Award in 2024. In her spare time, she acquires too many houseplants and misplaces things.