Picture a storyteller who swapped law books for love stories, weaving queer historical romances that charm and challenge—meet Cat Sebastian! This American author has redefined the genre with her witty, inclusive tales, blending rich period detail with progressive themes. From Regency England to 1960s New York, Sebastian’s novels offer heartwarming escapes that resonate with readers craving diverse happily-ever-afters.
The Making of Cat Sebastian
Born in New Jersey, Cat Sebastian’s journey to romance novelist was anything but conventional. Before penning her acclaimed novels, she practiced law and taught writing to high school and college students. A self-professed lover of crosswords and one-sided dog chats, Sebastian found her calling in her 30s, driven by a desire to see more queer representation in her favorite genre: historical romance. Her leap from legal briefs to love stories was fueled by a bold thought: if she devoured so many books, surely she could write one. Spoiler—she did, and the romance world hasn’t been the same since.
Cat Sebastian’s Unforgettable Stories
Sebastian’s bibliography, spanning over 20 novels, is a treasure trove of queer historical romances. Her debut, The Soldier’s Scoundrel (2016), made waves as one of the first queer historical romances published by a major imprint, Avon Impulse. Set in Regency England, it follows a roguish fixer and a war veteran in a delightful enemies-to-lovers tale. The Seducing the Sedgwicks series, starting with It Takes Two to Tumble (2017), blends humor and heart, featuring a vicar and a dashing captain navigating love and societal norms. Unmasked by the Marquess (2018), from the Regency Impostors series, earned Library Journal’s Best Romances nod for its nonbinary protagonist and feminist themes. More recently, We Could Be So Good (2023) transports readers to 1950s New York, where two reporters find love amid newsroom chaos, showcasing Sebastian’s knack for mid-century settings.
Her style is a masterclass in balance: witty banter, emotional depth, and meticulous historical detail. Sebastian’s stories don’t shy away from social issues—class, gender, and identity weave seamlessly into her plots, challenging the heteronormative tropes of traditional romance. Whether it’s a slow-burn Regency fling or a cozy 1960s road trip, her characters are flawed, relatable, and fiercely lovable, ensuring every page brims with warmth and rebellion.
Why Cat Sebastian Matters
Cat Sebastian’s impact on historical romance is revolutionary. By centering queer characters across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, she populates the past with voices often erased from traditional narratives. Her work normalizes queer love in eras where it was taboo, offering readers both escapism and empowerment. Critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, her novels have also garnered a devoted fanbase, with readers praising her ability to craft feminist, inclusive stories that feel both timeless and timely. Sebastian’s influence extends beyond the page, inspiring a new wave of authors to push genre boundaries.
- Born: New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: The Soldier’s Scoundrel, It Takes Two to Tumble, Unmasked by the Marquess, We Could Be So Good
- Awards: Library Journal’s Best Romances of 2018 for Unmasked by the Marquess, Lammy Award (2024)
- Fun Fact: She’s a crossword enthusiast with a penchant for misplacing coffee cups!
Ready to fall in love with Cat Sebastian’s world? Snag We Could Be So Good and dive into her vibrant, queer historical romances today!