My Masquerade With the Duke

The Reeves of Reeves Hall #2

by M.M. Wakeford

On her home planet, women command power. On Earth, she must pretend to be a man to gain her freedom.

Liora Reeves has never truly belonged in Regency England. The rigid rules and expectations of society feel all wrong for someone who comes from a world where women wield freedom and power as easily as men. So when an unexpected opportunity arises, Liora does the unthinkable: she disguises herself as a gentleman and sets out for London.

What she doesn't expect is to share the road with the newly titled Duke of Coleford—warm, earnest, and curiously easy to talk to. Or that there would be only one bed.

Marcus is still finding his footing as a duke when he meets the intriguing gentleman travelling beside him. Their growing closeness surprises him, but he can't deny how much he enjoys the clever stranger's company—even as something about "him" doesn't quite add up.

As their journey unfolds and a dangerous mystery emerges, the weight of Liora's deception becomes crushing. She's falling for Marcus—but does he care for her, or for the man he believes her to be?

Soon, Liora must decide how long she can keep her true identity hidden. Because if her secret is revealed, she risks losing her freedom, her future… and the man she’s come to love.

Tropes: Gender-bending disguise • Road trip romance • Only one bed • Reverse Grumpy / Sunshine • Cinnamon roll hero • Murder mystery subplot • Open door/steamy romance with a sci-fi twist

My Masquerade With the Duke is book 2 in The Reeves of Reeves Hall series but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Genres: Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2025

About the author

M.M. Wakeford lives with her husband and son in a London terraced house that gathers dust while she loses herself in her writing. A lifelong reader of romantic novels, she writes in many genres including contemporary, sci-fi and historical romance.

Her stories capture that heady feeling of falling in love, with emotionally rich characters whose journey to a happily ever after is lined with dilemmas, desire and difficult choices. If you're looking for a page turning romance with high emotion and a good dose of spice, you're in the right place.

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Reviews

[Madie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible. The characterization of our heroine and her love interest as well as their passion for each other left me longing for a relationship as sweet as theirs one day. I enjoyed how the setting didn’t take over the storyline, but supplemented the plot and characters’ motivations without strangling the pacing. Amazing, i loved this book.
I’m an ARC reader giving my opion freely and am grateful to have been able to read this book prior to its’ release.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this strangers to lovers love story that is a mix of Regency and sci-fi romance novel and that turns into a murder mystery. The plot is very well written, with hidden identity, gender reversal, road trip and one-bed tropes, and filled with emotion, humor, suspense, a touch of danger, some steamy love scenes and lovable characters. I liked this installment even more than the previous one. Liora is a strong heroine who longs for the independence and empowerment she's lost, and Marcus is a sweet and affable cinnamon roll hero full of insecurities who is bullied by female relatives for his perceived weaknesses. I loved how he opened up about his feelings and perceived tendencies and how Liora accepted and supported him and made him more confident. Their desires and his insecurities were palpable throughout the book, and it was nice to see how they overcame the secrets and other obstacles on the way to their happy ending. I thought Liora's transformation into a man was brilliantly executed.
The book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.

Unlike her home planet of Uvon, Earth is a man's world and it's been a long time since Liora (Laura) Reeves has been able to lead an independent and carefree life without having to bow to the backward society's expectations or use her knowledge and technology openly. When the London manager of the Reeves shipping enterprises and long-time companion of her family dies unexpectedly, Liora devises a plan to disguise herself as a man and take over the duties instead of remaining idle at Reeves Hall any longer. On the journey to London, she meets Marcus Cavendish, the newly minted Duke of Coleford, whose carriage is damaged and reluctantly agrees to take him to London.
Due to his reading and writing difficulties, Marcus, who grew up as the son of a vicar and never expected to become a duke, considers himself foolish and prefers to spend his time in his vegetable garden rather than in the company of others. But when his mother summons him to London, the dutiful son has no choice but to travel to London to help his sister procure a suitable match. When he meets "Lionel" Reeves, he is immediately attracted to him, even though he has never cared for men before. But the man is enigmatic, self-assured and makes him feel more assertive. Although a relationship between the two seems impossible, Marcus is not willing to give up on Lionel...

If you are looking for slightly different historical romances with a twist, that are filled with emotion, fun, heat, suspense and character development, then this book is for you.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second of the Reeves of Reeves Hall book, and a reminder that this is not a typical historical romance as there is a sci fi element to it, and you should read book 1 of the series to understand more of the background of the Reeves and some of the nuances of the relationships.

This is a gender twisted romance focusing on Liora/Laura Reeves. After having freedom, power, and being groomed for leadership on her home world, she has been chaffing at the restrictions placed on woman in Regency England. But when the head of their shipping enterprise in London dies suddenly, leaving a vacuum, she comes up with a plan that allows her to step forth and engage more in the Reeves enterprise, and allow her some freedom. Using their advanced technology, Liora is able to disguise herself as a man and takes on the identity of Lionel Reeves, a cousin of the Reeves, to take over managing the business in London.

On the way, she encounters Marcus Cavendish, the new Duke of Coleford, who has had a carriage accident while also travelling to London. Liora/Lionel ends up travelling in disguise with Marcus, and they quickly develop an affinity for each other that quickly escalates to something more. Marcus finds himself questioning himself and his sexuality as he finds himself developing an inexplicable attraction and liking for Lionel. Lionel/Liora is determined to put distance between the two of them, conflicted about her disguise and the lies she is forced to tell Marcus to protect her guise. But Marcus cannot help but want to be with Lionel in whatever capacity he can, and his protective instincts and desire to help are roused when he discovers Lionel is in danger. As Liora delves into the Reeves' shipping business, she becomes embroiled in a fraud scam that threatens their business, and her life.

A gender twisted hidden identity romance where Marcus falls unexpectedly fast and hard for someone he never expected, forcing himself to question his own identity. But his sense of devotion and loyalty are boundless. Liora, bitter and abrasive with the constrictions placed on her after their exile, is forced to take on the guise of a man to gain back some freedom and usefulness for herself. She likewise never expected to find love again, least of all, as a man. She is conflicted by the lies she is forced to live, and fearful of what will be revealed if the truth comes out. In book 1, Liora comes across bitter and quite abrasive. This story gives her warmth, and depth she was missing in book 1.

A love story with so many unexpected twists and depths and characters that I grew to love.

4.5 stars out of 5

[Kenzie Tuttle · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review ***

4 Stars - My Masquerade with the Duke tells the story of Liora, a woman from the planet Uvon, as she tries to navigate the world of Regency era London disguised as a man. This is a really fun spin on the traditional recency romance novels. I loved the sci-fi elements.

I think the sci-fi aspect was very well blended into the Regency era London setting. I loved all the inventions that Liora had integrated into their home/carriage. The ways that the Reeves family were able to use their technology without being discovered were very clever.

I enjoyed Liora’s development as a character over the course of the book. At the beginning she looks down on Earth humans because they lack the sophisticated technology of her home planet. Through her adventures with Marcus, she learns to appreciate the skills and abilities of Earth humans.


I really liked both Marcus and Liora. They’re interesting characters and they make a nice couple. Even though they fall in love very quickly, I still felt the romance between them was believable. The mystery plot line paired nicely with the romance. It gave lots of opportunities for Liora and Marcus to work together and build their relationship.



I think the ending is well done and makes for a nice satisfying conclusion. Their emotions and reactions regarding the gender reveal were realistic. It didn’t feel like we were just rushing through to get to the happy ending or anything like that.

At the end we see a little bit of how Marcus looks at her differently now that he knows she’s a woman. Liora wants to keep her persona as Lionel alive, so that they can continue to have that type of relationship too. Since gender is such a focus in this novel, I think it would have been interesting to see more of how their relationship is changed by her revealing that she’s a woman. Like for example, does Marcus have different expectations of her because that’s what he’s accustomed to?

Just as a side note (doesn’t impact my rating), I noticed the frequent use of “male/female” as nouns. It seemed a bit jarring and was not something I’ve seen in other regency romance novels. I think “man/woman” may have fit better or perhaps “gentleman/lady” given the time period. I wasn’t even going to mention it, but it happens so often.



 Thank you so much for the copy of My Masquerade with the Duke. I really enjoyed reading it!

[Debbie Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this second book of this series. It reads well as a standalone but reading the first book will give more depth to this story.

Liora Reeves and her three brothers came to Earth from a distant planet after being banished from Uvon because of their parents treasonous actions. They are humans with advanced intelligence and technology that they brought with them. They all live a quiet life in a secluded part of England.

Liora is disillusioned with her life on Earth. On Uvon, women were leaders and she dislikes the patriarchal system on Earth. When the business manager of the Reeves Shipping Company in London dies suddenly, Liora disguises herself as a man and becomes “Lionel” to help run the business until a replacement can be found. She uses some of the advanced technology from Uvon to help with her disguise.

On her way to London she comes upon Marcus Cavendish, the new Duke of Coleford when his carriage broke down and “Lionel” was passing. Marcus hitches a ride to the nearest town to get help for his carriage and drivers.

Marcus had never expected to become a duke, his father was the third son of the duke and a vicar. His interests were nothing a duke should be interested in and he had never been taught to be a duke. He was floundering in his duties as a duke because he has always had problems with reading and writing.

The two share common interests and talk easily with each other on the way to town. Marcus is strangely attracted to Lionel and is confused about his feelings. Lionel feels the same but isn’t sure who Marcus is attracted to.

Throughout the rest of the story, the two help each other in various situations, Marcus helps Lionel with Marcus’ new status and Lionel helps Marcus with his support and encouragement to Marcus in his new role. There’s a blackmailer that needs to be found and a secret that comes out too.
This was a very enjoyable read with a lot happening in it but it didn’t feel rushed. I liked the interaction between Marcus and Lionel and later Liara. They are soul mates. The families of the couple and their support for Marcus and Liara is wonderful to read and really enhances the story. I also enjoyed reading the way Liara helped Marcus with his difficulties in reading and writing.

I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I have to say I dislike the cover of this book; it is all wrong for the person it is supposed to be. That being said, this is the second story about the Reeves family and how they are still working on fitting in here on Earth. To truly enjoy and understand this book, please read book one. Liora, along with her three brothers, are from a planet far from Earth and Regency in England. They are from a planet with high technology and have had to find ways to fit in without anyone knowing what is really going on at Reeves Hall. It has been very hard for Liora as she was used to women holding positions of high power and she was trained to be one. Now she can’t do anything she wants. When fate gives her a chance to prove herself, she jumps with both feet. Her oldest brother, Broek, is against her going to London alone. Even more so when she tells him she is going as a man! With their advanced knowledge she will look and act just like a male. Marcus is the new Duke of Coloford and still trying to find his way. He has a heart of gold but because he has a hard time reading and writing, he feels he is dumb. We now know this is dyslexia, and it has nothing to do with how smart a person is. He is a wonderful gardener who loves working in the garden, which is very un-duke like. He has let his mother and sisters run his life as it was easier for them to stand up for himself. His younger sister, Julia, is amazing and wise beyond her age. She is a Hugh part of the story. Marcus and Lionel met when his carriage brakes an axle, and Lione gives him a ride to the Inn. Both are shocked at how easy it is to talk to other. Liora feels an attraction to Marcus, but what is she supposed to do as Lionel? Marcus can’t understand why he finds himself drawn to other man. Oh, my what these two have ahead of them is so much fun. Add in only one bed at the Inn, a murder, couple of very nasty men and you will find a story you can’t put down. Oh, and there is of course all the things' Marcus hears and sees that he isn’t supposed to from the future. This is a very emotional, steamy story with danger, anger, and plenty of understanding and forgiveness too. Give this very different story a chance; it will surprise you. I am on to book three now.

[Ann Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining book, with the combination of science fiction and Regency romance. The set-up is no secret to the reader, with the main female character Liora (and her brothers) being from a 'more advanced' society on a distant planet. That planet is certainly more advanced scientifically, but obviously not Utopian, given the siblings' banishment for someone else's crime and the siblings' many servants. Given the premise, I love how the siblings try to adapt to their circumstances. The family tries to stay secluded and continue to enjoy their advanced technology. After several years, with Liora's suffering much greater than her brothers' due to the limitations put on her by Regency society, she seizes an opportunity to pose as man and take a greater role in the family's business interests in London. The interactions of Liora and the (freshly-minted) duke Marcus ring true, with Liora perhaps being a bit too open with someone from outside of her household, but perhaps many years of captivity will do that?

I loved the roller-coaster ride of the romance, and the emotions rang true for me, though I have no idea how a Regency man who had never previously doubted his sexual preference would react to the idea that he was attracted to a man. The thing that did not ring true for me was Marcus' close relationship with his sister - perhaps I'm not familiar with that type of family dynamic.

I loved the ending, and I'm looking forward to getting a glimpse of the couple's continuing adventures in the next book!

I received an advance digital copy of the book, and this is my unbiased, honest review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, full of society, drama, dreams, emotions, romance, twists and aliens. This book has the best twist that could happen, time travel. Liora is an alien from the planet of Uvon, some space travel. She and her family have been sent to Earth where they were banished. Liora finds it very hard to go from complete freedom to the strict regency confines. Women had no rights and are expected to do what men tell them too. So when she is given a chance , she dresses as a man and heads for London. On the way she meets a Duke , and feelings fly high. She just isn't sure how to explain to him that she is a girl. When he starts to have feelings for this strange man, Liora, he not sure how to handle it as it's against the law to love another man. What a happy shock for him to find out that she is a she . Both get their happily every after. And a few more surprises for him. Would recommend this series to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is a truly unique and different type of historical romance! I wasn't really sure if I was going to enjoy it as I found the cover very odd looking but was greatly surprised. Take the usual historical romance plot, a girl masquerades as a man to travel to London for some freedom and on the way meets the duke of her secret dreams. Pretty standard until you add in that Liora is the young woman who is an alien sent to Earth from her plant light years away. If you liked the movie Enchanted, you will love this story, not because it's a fairly tale moved into modern times but because the probability of this ever taking place is fantastically entertaining and amazing.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. It is from the Regency time period. It has sci-fi. It has romance. It has a mystery. It challenges societal roles. I was unsure I would like it, but ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The plot is well thought out. The characters have depth and grow over the course of the novel. The novel makes the reader question their understanding of traditional roles and presents a more open view of life. An excellent story!

[Yudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book is so good! I throughly enjoyed it. The chemistry and love Liora and Marcus have for each other is so beautiful to see. I love the writing style of the author. I completely get so lost in the story. It’s just an interesting twist with the sci-fi aspect of it. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series!

[Marguerite Priest · Rating 4 out of 5]

To find someone that loves you as you truly are

Who hasn't desired this? But truth and trust must be built before love can grow strong enough to withstand all the trials and tribulations of life. Lior\Lionel and Marcus have not only their personal trials but must overcome family and society tribulations as well.

[Renee Ferritto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this fantastic historical romance with a touch of SciFi. Duke Marcus and Liora are believable compelling charters. Intrigue, drama, angst, spicy heat and an HEA. I am an ARC reader; I loved this book soooo much that I “leased” an Amazon copy.