I’ve always been fascinated by how the past echoes in the present, often in ways we don’t expect. When I first read A Fashionable Indulgence, I thought I was diving into a lush, witty Regency romance. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the novel’s themes—identity, freedom, and the tension between public persona and private self—feel incredibly modern.

Owen’s characters, particularly the dandy aristocrat Henry Bellamont and the rugged Captain Ingram, are more than just charming leads. They’re men navigating societal expectations in a world that demands strict conformity. Their journey isn’t just about love—it’s about breaking free from the roles others have assigned them.

As I reflected on this, I began to see unexpected parallels between the Regency era and our own time. Here are five modern themes that Owen subtly explores through her writing—surprising connections that feel as relevant today as they did in 1800s England.

1. The Performance of Identity on Social Media

Henry Bellamont is a man obsessed with appearances. He dresses impeccably, speaks with deliberate flair, and lives in a world where image is everything. In many ways, he’s the Regency equivalent of an Instagram influencer—carefully curated, always on display.

Today, we may not wear powdered wigs or brocade coats, but we do craft identities online. Every post, every filtered photo, every carefully chosen caption is a performance. Like Henry, many of us feel the pressure to maintain a certain image, even when it doesn’t reflect our true selves.

Owen shows us how exhausting this performance can be—and how liberating it is when characters begin to shed those masks. In a time when mental health conversations are finally gaining traction, this feels especially resonant.

2. Toxic Masculinity and Emotional Repression

Captain Ingram is the opposite of Henry in many ways—rugged, practical, emotionally reserved. Yet as the story unfolds, we see how his stoicism is just another kind of armor. He’s been conditioned to believe that vulnerability is weakness, a belief that costs him dearly.

This dynamic mirrors the ongoing conversations about toxic masculinity today. We’re starting to understand that emotional repression hurts everyone—not just the men who suffer in silence, but also the people who love them.

In A Fashionable Indulgence, Owen gently challenges these norms. She gives us two men who learn to lean on each other, to be soft and strong at the same time. It’s a quiet revolution, but a powerful one.

3. Class Division and Social Exclusion

Though set in a world of balls and estates, Owen’s novel doesn’t shy away from the rigid class structures that defined Regency England. Henry and Ingram come from different social strata, and their relationship is complicated by those divisions.

Today, we may not have formal class titles, but we still live in a world shaped by economic disparity. Access to education, healthcare, and even basic dignity often depends on wealth and privilege. The tension between “insiders” and “outsiders” is still very much with us.

What’s refreshing about Owen’s approach is that she doesn’t reduce her characters to their social status. Instead, she shows how people can transcend those barriers—through empathy, courage, and love.

4. The Freedom of Queer Love

At its heart, A Fashionable Indulgence is a love story between two men who find each other in a society that refuses to acknowledge their love. Their romance is both tender and radical, a quiet act of defiance against a world that wants to erase them.

In today’s world, LGBTQ+ rights have made huge strides, but queer people still face discrimination and marginalization. The fight for visibility and acceptance continues. Reading Henry and Ingram’s story feels like a reminder that queer love has always existed—even in the most unlikely places.

Owen writes their relationship with warmth and honesty, not as a tragedy, but as something beautiful and brave. It’s a message that still needs to be heard.

5. The Power of Friendship and Chosen Family

One of the most touching aspects of the novel is the deep friendship between the male leads and their circle of allies. These characters build a network of support that feels like a kind of chosen family—a concept that’s deeply familiar to many people today.

For those who feel disconnected from their biological families, whether due to geography, estrangement, or identity, found family is a lifeline. Owen’s characters show how love and loyalty can come from unexpected places.

It’s a comforting thought: that even in a world that tries to isolate us, we can find people who see us, protect us, and walk with us.

If you’re curious to explore these themes more deeply—and see how a Regency romance can speak so clearly to modern concerns—consider talking to Henry or Ingram on HoloDream. They’ll tell you, in their own charming way, what it means to be truly seen.