Books Like...

To Catch an Heiress follows the story of Caroline Trent, a young woman running from unwanted marriage proposals and a sinister guardian. Mistaken for a spy named Carlotta De Leon, she is kidnapped by the dangerously handsome agent of the crown, Blake Ravenscroft. As Caroline tries to prove her innocence, the banter between her and Blake becomes a central theme in the book, leading to a mix of witty dialogue, tender love scenes, and a hint of romance. The plot, although at times simplistic and predictable, is saved by the charming characters, including the servants, and the gradual development of trust and affection between Caroline and Blake.

The author, Julia Quinn, weaves a tale of espionage, mistaken identities, and budding romance in a light-hearted and sometimes farcical manner. The book combines elements of humor, charm, and endearing characters to create a heartwarming and engaging historical romance. Despite some flaws in the narrative and lack of depth in the espionage plot, To Catch an Heiress offers a delightful and enjoyable read for those seeking a mix of wit, banter, and a touch of fairy tale romance.

'The Captain's Wallflower' by Audrey Harrison tells the story of a wounded, blinded British naval captain named Alexander who finds love with a young wallflower named Amelia. Despite societal challenges and personal struggles, their relationship blossoms with the help of a fluffy dog and mutual understanding. is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters, the slow development of the romance, and the avoidance of clichés often found in Regency romance novels.

"Vienna Waltz" by Mary Lancaster is a historical romance set during the Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows 23-year-old Lizzie Gaunt and her siblings who are displaced from their home following their father's death. In a desperate attempt to secure funds for her family, Lizzie enlists the help of a Russian soldier named Johnnie Vanya Ivan to steal a diamond necklace. As the plot unfolds, spies, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements ensue, all against the backdrop of political intrigue from British, Russian, and Austrian perspectives. The writing style is described as light-hearted, with a focus on fictional characters and their relationships rather than complex political scheming.

"How to Marry a Marquis" by Julia Quinn follows the story of Elizabeth Hotchkiss, a young woman who discovers a guidebook on marrying a marquis and decides to follow its advice in order to secure a wealthy match to support her family. Unbeknownst to her, the marquis she encounters, James Sidwell, is actually in disguise investigating a blackmail case involving Elizabeth's employer. As they navigate misunderstandings and hidden identities, a romance blossoms between Elizabeth and James, leading to a heartwarming and humorous tale of love and deception set in the Regency era.

Rose, a plus-sized woman with confidence, finds herself entangled in a messy living situation after her best friend gets pregnant by her ex-boyfriend. Moving across the country to take care of her friend, Rose ends up living next door to Mark, a reclusive computer geek. Despite their initial clash, Rose and Mark start to develop a unique relationship filled with tension and hidden feelings. The book explores themes of self-acceptance, unconventional relationships, and the struggles faced by plus-sized heroines in the world of romance. With zany characters and a messy love triangle, the story unfolds with humor, depth, and humanity, offering a refreshing take on modern romance.

Gretchen Galway's writing style in "This Time Next Door" is praised for its humor, relatable characters, and ability to tackle real-world concerns in a believable and interesting manner. The book keeps readers engaged with a 'will they won't they' theme running throughout, leading to an enjoyable and satisfying ending. The plot is described as comical, romantic, and evocative, drawing comparisons to other beloved romance novels and surprising readers with its unique portrayal of a confident plus-sized heroine.

'Mischief' by Amanda Quick tells the story of Imogen Waterstone, a quirky and determined young woman seeking revenge for her friend's death. She enlists the help of Matthias Marshall, the Earl of Colchester, to assist her in her quest for justice. As they delve into the mystery surrounding her friend's murder, they also explore their shared interest in the lost island of Zamar. The book combines elements of historical romance, mystery, and adventure, with a focus on the developing relationship between the unconventional Imogen and the enigmatic Matthias. The writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and light-hearted, with a touch of steamy romance and intriguing historical details.

"Love Handles" by Gretchen Galway follows the story of Beverly Lewis, a curvy, thirty-year-old woman who unexpectedly inherits her late grandfather's fitness wear company, Fite Gear. Initially planning to sell the company, Beverly's plans change when she is convinced by the VP, Liam, to try and revive Fite Gear. The story delves into the challenges faced by Beverly and Liam as they work together to turn the company around, dealing with family issues, a mystery subplot, and their growing romantic relationship. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with detailed character development, spicy love scenes, and a touch of danger that keeps the reader engaged.

In the book "One Dance with a Duke" by Tessa Dare, readers are introduced to a Regency romance centered around Lady Amelia d'Orsay and Spencer Dumarque, the Duke of Moreland. The story unfolds as Amelia, a strong and intelligent woman, finds herself entangled with Spencer due to her brother's gambling debts. As they navigate a marriage of convenience, a murder mystery, and the complexities of the Stud Club, their relationship evolves amidst witty dialogues and sizzling romantic scenes. Tessa Dare's writing style intricately weaves together emotions, humor, and sensuality, creating a compelling narrative that captures the essence of historical romance with a modern twist.

In "The Heiress Effect" by Courtney Milan, the story revolves around Jane Fairfield, an eccentric heiress who is determined to remain unmarried to protect her sister. When she meets Oliver Marshall, a man with political aspirations, their paths cross, leading to a struggle between ambition and honor. The book is praised for its character development, humor, and eventual happy ending, as well as for portraying a diverse representation of characters and relationships in Victorian England.

'The Heiress' by Jude Deveraux is a romantic and humorous story about Axia, the lone heiress to the largest fortune in England, and Jamie, an impoverished earl tasked with escorting her to her fiance. The plot revolves around the mix-up where Jamie mistakes Axia's cousin for the heiress, leading to a journey across England filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists. The writing style is fast-paced, humorous, and filled with adventure, making it an entertaining read with engaging lead characters and enjoyable secondary characters.