Books Like...

Princess Ai Li, the sixth child of the Emperor of China, flees from an arranged marriage upon discovering her betrothed is a traitor. Armed with her butterfly swords, she meets Ryam, a blue-eyed foreigner, and convinces him to help escort her back to the Imperial city. As they travel together, Ai Li and Ryam form a deep bond, navigating through dangerous situations and facing their growing attraction amidst the backdrop of Tang Dynasty China. The plot is filled with adventure, romance, and sensuality, set in a unique historical setting that offers a refreshing change from typical historical romance novels.

The story unfolds with intricate details of Tang Dynasty politics and the challenges faced by the protagonists as they fight against societal norms and personal obstacles to be together. The characters of Ai Li and Ryam are well-rounded, each possessing unique qualities that complement and attract one another. Their journey towards love and overcoming the odds is intertwined with fast-paced action, sensual encounters, and engaging sword fights, making "Butterfly Swords" a compelling historical romance that immerses readers in a vivid and vibrant world.

In "The Devil Comes Courting," readers are introduced to Grayson Hunter, a biracial Black man facing racism in a white-controlled world, and Amelia Smith, an Asian woman struggling to find her identity in a society that tries to suppress her roots. The story follows their journey of healing and self-discovery as they come together to work on creating a Chinese telegraphic code in Shanghai. Set in the 1870s, the book beautifully weaves themes of grief, guilt, racism, and cultural identity, while also exploring the historical context of Western imperialism and the challenges faced by its victims.

The Hidden Blade by Sherry Thomas is a YA historical adventure novel that follows the parallel stories of two young protagonists, Ying Ying and Leighton Atwood, set in 19th-century England and China. Ying Ying, a half-breed Chinese girl, is taken under the wing of her martial arts master Amah after her mother's death, while Leighton, a British boy, escapes the cruelty of his uncle to seek out his father's friend Herb. The book weaves together themes of love, heroism, martial arts training, and coming of age, creating a captivating narrative with elements of romance and adventure. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, intricate character development, and engaging storytelling, making it a memorable read that sets the stage for the follow-up book, My Beautiful Enemy.

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is a unique historical romance that takes readers on a journey through different locations such as Paris and Scotland. The book introduces diverse and fleshed out characters, including a strong and independent heroine from the Caribbean and a charming hero from Scotland. The plot revolves around a marriage of convenience between the main characters, Luz Alana and Evan, as they navigate challenges related to their businesses and personal lives. The writing style is described as lush, authentic, and creative, with the author skillfully addressing themes like misogyny, racism, and slavery in a historical setting.

My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas is a historical romance novel that follows the fated connection between Catherine Blade and Leighton Atwood. The story spans continents and time, delving into their pasts, misunderstandings, and eventual reunion in England. The book weaves together themes of love, loss, destiny, and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of 1880's and 1890's China and England.

Set during the American Civil War, "An Extraordinary Union" follows the story of Elle Burns, a former slave turned Union spy, who goes undercover in the household of a Confederate Senator. There, she meets Malcolm McCall, a soldier who is also a Union spy. As they navigate their dangerous mission, their relationship develops amidst the tension and conflict of the war. The book explores themes of espionage, interracial relationships, and the complexities of identity during a tumultuous period in American history. The writing style blends romance and historical fiction, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they navigate their roles in a divided nation.

'Indigo' by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance novel set during the darkest times in U.S. history, focusing on passion, love, hope, fear, faith, deception, and friendship. The story follows Hester Wyatt, a rescued slave living as a free woman in Michigan, who becomes involved in the underground railroad. When she takes in a wounded fellow member known as The Black Daniel, her life takes a dramatic turn. The book beautifully combines romance with real history, providing accurate historical references and weaving in details about the Underground Railroad. The characters, especially Galen and Hester, are strong, well-developed, and their relationship is engaging and captivating.

The Duke Who Didn't is a heartwarming romance set in the village of Wedgeford Downs, focusing on the blossoming relationship between Chloe Fong, an ambitious and independent woman with a passion for creating sauces, and Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing who has been hiding his true identity. The book explores themes of second chances, friendship, and love, as Chloe and Jeremy navigate their feelings for each other amidst secrets and societal expectations. Courtney Milan's writing style is described as gentle, humorous, and engaging, with a focus on unique characters and a diverse community.

'A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery' by Kris Tualla is a historical romance novel set in Norway in 1720, featuring a unique hero who is deaf. The book follows the story of the hero, Brander, as he navigates being disinherited due to his deafness and strives to prove his worth. Alongside a compelling murder mystery, the plot delves into the growing romance between Brander and the heroine, Regin. Tualla's writing style is praised for its descriptive prose, engaging plot lines, and well-researched historical setting, offering a refreshing change from traditional historical romances.

'The Gaucho's Lady' by Genevieve Turner is a historical romance set in early 1900s Argentina and California. The story follows the journey of Eliana, a rich heiress from Argentina, who escapes an arranged marriage by pretending to be in a fake relationship with Juan, a Mexican American gaucho. As they travel from Argentina to California, Eliana learns about suffrage, women's rights, and worker's rights, while staying at radical women's communes along the way. explores themes of freedom, love, and empowerment as Eliana transitions from a sheltered heiress to a woman who takes control of her own destiny.