Books Like...

'We Could Be So Good' by Cat Sebastian is a sweet and heartwarming MM romance set in the 1950s in New York City. The story follows Nick, a gay city reporter, and Andy, a wealthy newspaper heir, as they fall in love while working together at a newspaper. beautifully captures the delicate and slow burn development of their relationship, set against the backdrop of the challenges faced by queer individuals in the 1950s. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on creating endearing characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout.

'Tommy Cabot Was Here' in the series 'The Cabots' by author Cat Sebastian is a short and sweet second chance romance set in the 1950s. The story follows Tommy, Peter, and Daniel, three main characters who present interesting and unexpected narratives that depart from traditional expectations. The book explores themes of secret love, painful yearning, and the complexities of rekindling a relationship after years apart. Despite its short length, the writing style is described as simple yet engaging, with a focus on historical accuracy and heartwarming character interactions.

'Let It Shine' by Alyssa Cole is a historical romance novella set during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The story follows Sofie and Ivan, childhood friends who reunite and become involved in nonviolent protests for civil rights. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and challenges, the book explores themes of love, activism, racial injustice, and personal growth. The writing style is described as emotionally impactful, with a strong focus on character development and historical accuracy, immersing readers in the turbulent era of the civil rights struggle.

'Star Dust' by Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner is a historical romance set in the 1960s during the fascination with space and astronauts. The story follows Anne Marie, a divorcee with two young children, who moves to Houston to start a new life. She crosses paths with Kit, a charming astronaut in training, known for his playboy reputation. Despite Anne Marie's initial reluctance, a secret affair ensues between them, complicated by societal expectations, Kit's upcoming space mission, and Anne Marie's fear of scandal. The book vividly portrays the era with detailed descriptions of day-to-day life, societal attitudes towards divorce, and the push-pull between work and home life.

The authors skillfully weave together a captivating plot with endearing characters, including dynamic secondary ones. The book offers a unique blend of historical detail, romantic tension, and elements of the space race, providing an engaging and delightful read for fans of historical romance and those interested in the 1960s era.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a historical romance set in the Regency era, focusing on the intertwined lives of Gareth Inglis, who inherits a baronetcy, and Joss Doomsday, a smuggler on Romney Marsh. Their past relationship is rekindled as they navigate the complexities of smuggling, family secrets, and societal norms. The book is praised for its well-rounded characters, original plot, and the way it explores themes of love, second chances, and the challenges of building relationships in a time of homophobia.

K.J. Charles weaves a riveting tale that captures the essence of the Regency era, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and characters that feel authentic and compelling. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and adventure, drawing readers into the world of smugglers and aristocrats on Romney Marsh while addressing deeper themes of acceptance, redemption, and the impact of societal norms on personal relationships.

'Something Wild & Wonderful' by Anita Kelly follows the heartwarming journey of Alexei and Ben as they meet on the PCT trail and form a deep connection that leads to a tender and emotional romance. The book beautifully captures the growth and evolution of their relationship, intertwined with themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of chosen and birth families. Anita Kelly's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke raw emotions, create relatable characters, and craft a story that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.

'Honeytrap' by Aster Glenn Gray is a unique blend of a historical romance novel set against the backdrop of the Cold War tensions between the US and the USSR. The story follows the journey of Gennady, a Soviet agent, and Daniel, an FBI agent, as they are forced to work together to solve a case, leading to a complex relationship filled with distrust, cultural clashes, and a slow-burning romance. Spanning from 1959 to 1992, the narrative delves deep into the struggles and obstacles faced by the two protagonists, both personally and professionally, as they navigate the changing landscapes of their respective countries and their own evolving feelings for each other. Gray's writing style intricately weaves together themes of love, prejudice, cruelty, and hope, creating a poignant and evocative tale that resonates with readers long after the final page.

The book beautifully explores the power of enduring love amidst adversity, portraying the relationship between Gennady and Daniel as a tender and bittersweet journey that spans decades. Through nuanced character development and rich storytelling, Gray captures the complexities of the protagonists' lives, their internal struggles, and the external challenges they face in a world torn apart by political tensions. The author's ability to blend spy elements with a heartfelt romance, while also addressing important themes of sexuality, cultural differences, and acceptance, makes 'Honeytrap' a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on the Cold War era and the human connections that transcend borders.

Peter Cabot Gets Lost is a charming story centered exclusively on two characters, Peter and Caleb. The plot follows their road trip from Boston to Los Angeles in 1960, exploring themes of dysfunctional families, self-discovery, and being gay in that era. The writing style is described as warm, funny, tender, and low angst, with engaging banter and steamy yet sweet romance scenes. The narrative immerses readers in the time period and the evolving relationship between the two protagonists, highlighting their individual personalities and personal histories.

Set in the 1970s, "Taking Stock" follows Laurie, who is recovering from a stroke while managing a sheep farm left to him by his uncles, and Phil, who has retreated to the countryside after being framed for fraud by his ex. The plot focuses on emotional healing and finding happiness in unexpected ways as the two men slowly build a chosen family and a strong, sustaining love. The story development and character development are very good, evoking instant empathy for the main characters and a sense of rightness when they come together.

The novel is grounded, cozy, and quiet, with a focus on healing and love. It takes its time to establish the characters and their individual situations, allowing them to heal and learn how to move forward while also coming together and falling in love. The writing style, although not perfect, effectively conveys the story, making it a lovely and beautifully told narrative of physical and emotional healing.