Books Like...
My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh is a historical romance novel that follows Lady Grace Wyatt, a herpetologist with a crush on naturalist Mason Fredericks. To make Mason notice her, Grace enlists the help of her friend Sebastian to pose as a rake. As Sebastian and Grace navigate their fake relationship, real feelings emerge, leading to a love triangle that challenges their friendship. The book features themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of academia and societal expectations.
If you liked My Fake Rake, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Sebastian Malheur, a rake and an up-and-coming scientist, is hiding two secrets - that the scientific work he presents is actually his best friend Violet Waterfield's, the Countess of Cambury, and that he is in love with her. The book explores their complex relationship, Violet's past traumas, and the challenges they face in a society that restricts women's intellectual pursuits. The writing style is described as fluid and easy to read, with a focus on societal expectations, scandal, and the different forms of love and acceptance.
Other women of her station might despise sitting in a lecture hall elbow-to-elbow with any person off the streets, no mark of distinction setting her apart from the old friend who sat on her left or t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brothers Sinister ) - #2
Save:"One Good Earl Deserves a Lover" by Sarah MacLean is the second installment in the 'Rules of Scoundrels' series. It follows the story of Lady Philippa Marbury, a bespectacled and intellectually curious woman who seeks out the notorious scoundrel Jasper Arlesey, also known as Cross, to help her with research on marriage activities. As Pippa and Cross navigate the formalities of London society and the underworld, their intellectual conversations and unique personalities lead to a captivating romance filled with tension and humor. expertly weaves together themes of self-discovery, unconventional love, and the clash between societal expectations and personal desires.
The writing style in "One Good Earl Deserves a Lover" is praised for its colorful and captivating storytelling, with readers expressing admiration for the author's ability to create compelling characters and intricate relationships. offers a mix of wit, romance, and emotional depth, drawing readers into a world where characters grapple with self-doubt, passion, and the complexities of love. Through the interactions between Pippa and Cross, Sarah MacLean crafts a narrative that balances humor and heart, making it a standout historical romance novel.
He might have realized it three minutes earlier if she hadn’t announced, all certainty, that he’d miscalculated column F, ensuring that his understanding of her madness was preempted by shock at her p...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rules of Scoundrels ) - #3
Save:In the book "Scandal in Spring" by Lisa Kleypas, Daisy Bowman, the youngest of the Wallflowers, is facing pressure from her father to find a husband or be forced into an unwanted marriage. Daisy's father gives her a time limit to secure a match, leading to an ultimatum that threatens her independence. As Daisy navigates this challenge, she finds herself drawn to Matthew Swift, a man she once despised but who has undergone a transformation that stirs unexpected feelings within her. The story unfolds with themes of family dynamics, romantic tension, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of historical romance and societal expectations.
The narrative in "Scandal in Spring" weaves together the individual journeys of Daisy and Matthew, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through a series of engaging interactions and emotional revelations, the characters evolve and confront their pasts, leading to a climactic resolution that promises a satisfying conclusion to the Wallflowers series. Lisa Kleypas's writing style shines in this installment, blending humor, drama, and romance to create a compelling tale of love and redemption within the Regency era.
“I shouldn’t tell you about it,” Daisy railed, pacing back and forth in the Marsden parlor later that evening. “In your condition you shouldn’t be distressed. But I can’t keep it to myself or I will ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wallflowers ) - #4
Save:'Like No Other Lover' by Julie Anne Long is the story of Miles Redmond, an entomologist who returns to England hoping to secure enough money for another journey. He is the second Redmond son, now the family heir due to the disappearance of his eldest brother Lyon. Cynthia Brightley, a woman who had snubbed Miles years ago, is invited to the Redmond's home for a house party after a scandal. The book is praised for its humor, engaging plot, and the development of the relationship between Miles and Cynthia.
This observation from Mr. Culpepper, Pennyroyal Green’s resident historian, ended a pronounced lull in conversation, which had begun when the door of the Pig & Thistle swung open, admitting a rush of ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green ) - #5
Save:'The Devil's Delilah' by Loretta Chase follows the story of Jack Langdon, a bookworm hero, who deviously wins over Delilah's heart despite his seemingly ordinary demeanor. The plot revolves around the search for and theft of Devil Desmond's memoirs, providing a backdrop for the characters to interact. The writing style is described as witty, high energy, and fun, with a focus on the characters' connections rather than explicit love scenes.
Rain drummed furiously against the sturdy timbers of the Black Cat Inn. Within, its public dining parlour, tap-room, and coffee rooms overflowed with orphans of the storm. From time to time a flash of... - #6
Save:'Cotillion' by Georgette Heyer is a Regency romance novel that follows the story of Kitty Charing, an heiress who is expected to marry one of her guardian's nephews in order to inherit his fortune. Kitty, a headstrong young woman, refuses the proposals of her cousins and instead convinces her cousin Freddy to pose as her betrothed. As they navigate through a series of misunderstandings and scrapes in London, Kitty and Freddy find themselves in a sham engagement that leads to unexpected twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a satisfying and sweet ending. is praised for its witty language, charming characters, and entertaining plot that keeps readers engaged until the last page.
The Saloon, like every other room in Arnside House, was large and lofty, and had been furnished, possibly some twenty years earlier, in what had then been the first style of elegance. This, however, h... - #7
Save:In "The Earl I Ruined," Lady Constance Stonewell ruins the reputation of the Earl of Apthorp, Julian Haywood, by exposing his secret at a crucial time. To rectify the situation, Constance proposes a fake engagement, not realizing Julian has been secretly in love with her for years. Their interactions are filled with misunderstandings, unrequited love, and a complex web of lies, leading them to discover their true feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and personal struggles. Scarlett Peckham's writing style is described as rich, lyrical, and absorbing, capturing the essence of unrequited love and the challenges of misconstrued intentions.
She flopped back against her vertiginous mound of feather pillows, annoyed to be wide-awake before her customary hour of high noon. A piece of paper came dislodged from the sleep-tangled mass of her h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Secrets of Charlotte Street ) - #8
Save:'What I Did for a Duke' by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance set in Regency England, part of the Pennyroyal Green series. The story follows the relationship between an older, mature Duke of Falconbridge and a younger, intelligent, and independent woman, Genevieve Eversea. The book explores themes of revenge, love, forgiveness, wit, humor, and finding true love amidst societal expectations and personal growth. Readers praised the character-driven narrative, the slow-building romance between the hero and heroine, and the witty, humorous dialogues that add depth to the story.
From a deucedly awkward crouch between a birdbath and a shrubbery in the back garden of a Sussex manor house, Ian Eversea watched the silhouette of a woman pass tantalizingly once . . . twice . . . Ha... - #9
Save:'The Duke I Tempted' by Scarlett Peckham is a historical romance set in the mid-eighteenth century, focusing on the relationship between Archer, a duke, and Poppy, an independent botanist nursery owner. The story revolves around secrets Archer is keeping about his past and his sexuality, as well as Poppy's desire for independence and success in her business. As they navigate their desires for themselves and each other, the tale unfolds with compelling interactions and interesting secondary characters.
The book explores themes of independence, desire, secrets, and the complexities of relationships in a historical setting. The writing style is described as emotional, engaging, and well-paced, with a twist on the typical regency romance tropes, making it a slow but steady literary romance that delves into themes of kink and character exploration.
“Bloody codding hell,” Archer Stonewell, the Duke of Westmead, murmured to the midnight darkness of his deserted counting-house. Beside him a lone wax candle flickered and went out, as if in sympathy.... - #10
Save:'The Wrong Marquess' by Vivienne Lorret follows the story of Ellie and Brandon, where Ellie, initially blinded by her feelings for George, discovers a new side to herself and finds love with Brandon. The plot revolves around Ellie's fears, her journey to overcome them, and the blossoming romance between her and Brandon. The writing style is engaging, with a slow burn romance that keeps readers guessing and on the edge of their seats.
The first hit a debutante in an explosion of giggles as her gentleman sank on bended knee by the roses. The second young woman was lost in a sudden onslaught of tearful happiness, her parasol toppling...
