Every romance reader knows that a good love story needs adversity before a happily-ever-after.
While there are many types of adversity in romance novels, a fan favorite is the secret identity trope. One character is not only keeping a secret from their prospective partner, but they are hiding their true selves. That kind of secret affects both characters in the couple and each story handles it differently, which is what draws readers in.
In these five romances, one—or both—characters of the main couple is hiding their true identity from the other. Find out how their secret is revealed and if love can withstand the confession!
If you’re participating in the Crazy4Fiction Reading Challenge, pick one of these books to fulfill the secret identity romance prompt!
The Heiress and the Woodsman
By Christine Hill Suntz
Charlotte, a member of Toronto high society, must find her brother. He is accused of aiding a political rebellion and Charlotte can’t allow what’s left of her family’s standing to be ruined by his reputation. But to find her brother, Charlotte must head north, into the Canadian bush. Assuming it’s no place for a lady used to the city, Charlotte dresses up like a boy in the hopes that will protect her on her journey. Along the way, she meets backwoodsman Joshua, who is desperate for funds for his own quest. After it’s revealed that she isn’t a boy, Charlotte agrees to pay Joshua an impressive amount to help her navigate the rough wilderness, while keeping her true family circumstances a secret.
The Christmas Book Flood
By Roseanna M. White
In this Christmas novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, Tatiana works at an Icelandic publishing house that’s inundated with orders in December 1944. While she helps fulfill orders, Tatiana also hopes to bring Christmas cheer to her niece. Tatiana enlists editor Anders to help with her mission. As they spend more time together and their relationship seems to be leading to more than friendship, Tatiana must decide when to tell Anders she’s the author behind the pen name of a popular new novel . . . and Anders has been her editor the whole time.
Dear Henry, Love Edith
By Becca Kinzer
When Henry agreed to let a widow stay as a houseguest for the summer, he assumed she was an elderly woman. And when Edith agreed to stay with the uncle of a friend of a friend who couldn’t climb the stairs anymore, she assumed he was an elderly man. But neither could further from the truth. While both Henry and Edith are in their thirties, they don’t cross paths in the house they share because of opposite schedules. Instead, they leave notes for each other on the kitchen counter, which turn into increasingly personal letters. But when Henry finds out Edith is the woman who’s been catching his eye around town, how will he reveal who he is to her?
What Matters Most
By Courtney Walsh
Emma is looking for a fresh start for her and her son at her late husband’s family cottage on Nantucket, but she’ll have to clean it up first. She places an ad looking for help, and she hires Jameson the same day he shows up on her driveway. As Emma and Jameson’s friendship grows as they spend time together, so does Jameson’s secret: he’s there to deliver a letter connected to her late husband.
The Affectionate Adversary
By Catherine Palmer
Charles is determined to rise above his family’s station by building a successful business. But when his ship is attacked and all seems lost, all he has are his ambitions. Sarah doesn’t want a life of wealth that’s come from ill-gotten means and vows to give away her fortune. Sarah and Charles meet onboard a ship bound for England, where their hearts become intertwined. But what happens when Charles learns about Sarah’s wealth?
